Privacy policy

 

 

 

Fabconnect offers a variety of services to assist customers and potential customers in the fabrication of their parts and assemblies by enabling them to purchase these components from Fabconnect ("Customer"). Fabconnect operates with a network of third-party manufacturers who have the capability to provide fabrication services on behalf of Fabconnect ("Partners"). Fabconnect offers a range of services and software to support Partners in their manufacturing operations. Whether you are a Customer or Partner, you interact with Fabconnect and provide us with information through various channels, including our software plug-ins, our online platforms located at fabconnect.me (along with any associated subdomains) (collectively referred to as the "Website"), or by engaging with our employees and other representatives in connection with the Services we offer. In this Privacy Policy, "Fabconnect," "we," or "us" is used to refer to Fabconnect, and we have crafted this policy to outline our privacy practices concerning the information we collect when you visit our Website and use the Services.

 

The objective of this Privacy Policy is to provide you with insights into how Fabconnect collects and processes your personal data when you use the Website and our Services for our own internal purposes, where we act as the Controller. This policy is designed to fulfill our obligations as a Controller in terms of transparency as stipulated by European data protection regulations, specifically the "GDPR" or "General Data Protection Regulation." It's important to note that this Privacy Policy does not pertain to the processing of personal data carried out under the instructions of our customers or any other individuals, where we serve as a Processor.

 

This Privacy Policy may be subject to periodic updates, and in the event of significant changes to how we handle your personal data, we may inform you by sending an email to the most recent email address you provided us and/or by prominently displaying notifications of these changes on our Website. Any modifications to this Privacy Policy will become effective either thirty (30) calendar days after we send you an email notice or thirty (30) calendar days after we publish notifications of the changes on our Website, whichever comes earlier. These changes will be immediately applicable to new users of our Services. Please remember that you are responsible for maintaining your personal data up-to-date, particularly your email address. If, for any reason, the last email address you provided us is not valid or incapable of delivering the aforementioned notice, our sending of the email containing such notice will still be considered effective notice of the described changes. If you do not wish to consent to the alterations in how we handle your personal data, you must notify us before the effective date of these changes if you want to deactivate your Account with us. The continued use of our Website or Services following notification of such changes will indicate your acknowledgment of these changes and your agreement to adhere to the revised terms and conditions.

 

 

We gather information about you through various methods when you utilize our Website and Services.

 

We gather the information that you willingly provide to us. For instance:

 

• We may gather personal information from you, which can include your first and last name, phone number, email address, company name, job title, and password when you create an Account for logging in to our Website or when you engage with us as a Customer or Manufacturing Partner.

 

• Additionally, we may collect personal information such as your first and last name, phone number, email address, company name, and job title when you interact with a chatbot ("Bot") or through various electronic or non-electronic means.

 

• When you utilize our support services or access our Website, we will collect all necessary information to complete the requested or authorized transaction, depending on the specific nature of the Services you are accessing. This information can encompass your name, email address, credit card details, bank account information, social security number, tax identification number, billing particulars, and shipping information.

 

• We also maintain information on your behalf to manage and service your Account and to facilitate the provision of our Services.

 

• Should you provide feedback or contact us via email, we will collect your name and email address, along with any other content included in the email, in order to respond to your inquiry.

 

• In certain situations, we may request photocopies of your ID and related documents for fraud prevention purposes and identity verification.

 

• Participation in one of our surveys will entail the collection of the information you provide.

 

• We may also gather personal information at other specified points on our Website where it is explicitly mentioned that such information is being collected.

 

• If you reach out to us via text message ("SMS"), we will collect your name and phone number, as well as any other content contained in the SMS, to facilitate our response.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information Gathered Through Technological Means

 

We automatically gather specific information through various technological methods. This information is collected through technology in the following manners:

 

• Log Files: Similar to most websites, we automatically collect and store certain information in log files. This information comprises aggregate data about the pages that customers access or visit (though not specific to individual user pages), IP addresses, browser types, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), operating systems, date/time stamps, and clickstream data. We utilize this information for trend analysis, to manage the Website, and to enhance the customization of our Services based on our users' requirements.

 

• Cookies: Much like many online services, we employ cookies to gather information. "Cookies" are small files that a website or its service provider transfers to your computer's hard drive via your web browser. These files enable the website's or service provider's systems to recognize your browser, capture, and retain certain information. We use cookies to help us comprehend your preferences based on your past or current site activities and to compile aggregated data on Website traffic and user interactions. This enables us to provide improved Website experiences and tools in the future. You have the option to configure your computer to notify you whenever a cookie is being sent, or you can opt to disable all cookies. You can adjust these settings through your browser (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, or Apple Safari). Please note that each browser may have slightly different procedures, so refer to your browser's Help menu for guidance on how to modify your cookie preferences. If you choose to disable cookies, you may lose access to numerous features that enhance your Website experience, and some of our Services may not function correctly. It's important to mention that we exclusively use cookies to record session information and personalize marketing content and other services for you. We do not utilize cookies to obtain personally identifiable information.

 

• Pixel Tags: Additionally, we employ "Pixel Tags," also known as clear Gifs, Web beacons, or Web bugs. Pixel Tags are tiny graphic images with a unique identifier that serve a function similar to Cookies. They are used to monitor the online activities of web users. Unlike Cookies, which are stored on a user's computer hard drive, Pixel Tags are discreetly embedded within web pages. Pixel Tags also enable us to send email messages in a readable format and inform us whether these emails have been opened, ensuring that we send messages that are relevant and of interest to our users. We may use this information to reduce or eliminate messages sent to a user.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Third-Party Analytics: We enlist the services of third-party providers, such as Google Analytics, to assist us in analyzing user interactions with the Website ("Analytics Providers"). Analytics Providers utilize Cookies to gather data, including the frequency of user visits to the Website, the specific pages visited, and the websites users accessed prior to visiting our Website. The information we receive from Analytics Providers is utilized solely for the enhancement of our Website and Services.
• Analytics Providers solely collect the IP address allocated to you on the date of your Website visit, without obtaining your name or other personally identifiable information. We do not merge the information acquired through the use of Analytics Providers with your personal data.

 

 

We do not collect any special categories of personal data.

 

We do not gather any "Special Categories of Personal Data" about you. This includes information pertaining to your race or ethnicity, religious or philosophical beliefs, sex life, sexual orientation, political opinions, trade union membership, details about your health, genetic and biometric data, as well as information related to criminal convictions and offenses.

 

How We Utilize Your Personal Information

 

Common Applications of Your Personal Information

 

We will exclusively employ your personal data for the purposes for which we initially collected it, as enumerated below, unless we reasonably believe that an alternative purpose is compatible with the original intent. In the event that we require your personal data for an unrelated purpose, we will revise this Privacy Policy and provide an explanation regarding the legal basis that enables us to do so.

 

Our "legal basis" for processing your Personal Data

 

For each of the purposes for which we utilize your personal data, GDPR mandates that we have a valid "legal basis" for that particular use. Typically, we will rely on one of the following legal bases:

 

• One of the common legal bases we rely on is "Contractual Necessity." This means we use your personal data when it is necessary for the performance of a contract that we are either about to enter into or have already entered into with you.

 

 

 

 

• Another legal basis we may utilize is "Legitimate Interests." This means we process your personal data when it is necessary for our legitimate interests, provided that your interests and fundamental rights do not outweigh those interests. Further details about the specific legitimate interests pursued for each purpose of using your personal data are provided in bullet points below.

 

• We may also process your personal data when it is necessary for us to comply with a legal or regulatory obligation, which we refer to as "Compliance with Law."

 

 

We employ your personal information in the following manners:

 

To assist in establishing and securing your Account on our network;

 

- To recognize you as a user within our system or within the system of a third-party service provider or an authorized business partner who aids us in providing the Services;

 

- When you establish an Account, we may validate your identity using various methods. For example, you may receive an email from us to confirm ownership of the email address provided during the creation of your Account;

 

We may utilize your email address for the following purposes:

 

- Sending administrative email notifications related to your Account status or other transactions and activities linked to the provision of our Services.

 

- Delivering the Services you have requested.

 

- Enhancing the management of our Website and Services.

 

- Addressing your inquiries and other requests.

 

- Implementing fraud protection measures and verifying your identity.

 

- Disseminating newsletters, surveys, offers, and additional promotional materials associated with our Services and for various marketing objectives of Fabconnect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

User Testimonials: We frequently receive testimonials and feedback from users who have had favorable experiences with our Services. On occasion, we may choose to share such content. When we decide to publish this content, we may identify users by their first and last names, company names, and possibly their home cities. Importantly, we always obtain the user's consent before posting their name alongside the testimonial.

 

Creation of Anonymous Data: From your Specifications and any personal information we gather, we may generate anonymous data by removing data elements (such as your name) that would otherwise identify the information with you personally. This anonymous information is utilized for the analysis of request and usage patterns, enabling us to enhance the content of our Website and improve our Services, including our pricing algorithms. Please note that we retain the right to use anonymous information for any purpose and may disclose it to third parties at our sole discretion.

 

 

What occurs when you do not furnish essential personal data?

 

In situations where we must process your personal data to fulfill legal obligations or execute the terms of a contract we have with you, and you do not provide the requested data, it may hinder our ability to carry out the contract we have with you or are attempting to establish. For instance, we may be unable to offer you Website functionalities (such as creating your account or generating a quote), or we may not be able to address or fulfill a request you make (e.g., a request for a product demonstration).

 

 

In such instances, there is a possibility that we may need to temporarily suspend your Account. However, we will inform you promptly if such action becomes necessary.

 

Do We Share Your Information with Third Parties?

 

We reveal your personal information as detailed below and as stated elsewhere in this Privacy Policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Sharing with Third-Party Service Providers: We may share your personal information with third-party service providers for various purposes, including providing you with the Services available through our Website, conducting quality assurance testing, facilitating account creation, offering technical support, and delivering other services on behalf of Fabconnect.

 

• Sharing Customer Personal Information with Manufacturing Partners: To fulfill manufacturing orders placed through the Services, Fabconnect may subcontract a customer's manufacturing project to one of our Manufacturing Partners. In this process, we may share your information with our Manufacturing Partners to enable them to produce the specified parts, assemblies, and related items.

 

• Sharing Manufacturing Partner Personal Information with Third-Party Business Partners: Fabconnect may also share personal information of Manufacturing Partners with a select number of third-party business partners who assist in the delivery of services, particularly for Manufacturing Partners participating in our payment or card programs. These third-party business partners aid in providing card and payment programs to you, including payment processors, credit card network services, and financial institutions. The use of your personal information shared with these third-party business partners will be governed by their respective privacy policies.

 

• Corporate Restructuring: We may share some or all of your personal information in connection with, or during negotiations related to, various corporate events, including mergers, financing, acquisitions, dissolutions, transactions, or proceedings involving the sale, transfer, divestiture, or disclosure of our business or assets. In cases of insolvency, bankruptcy, or receivership, personal information may also be transferred as a business asset. If another company acquires Fabconnect, its business, or assets, that company will assume ownership of the personal information collected by us and will be subject to the rights and obligations outlined in this Privacy Policy.

 

 

• Other Disclosures: Irrespective of any choices you make concerning your personal information (as detailed below), Fabconnect may disclose personal information if it has a genuine belief in good faith that such disclosure is necessary:(a) In connection with any legal investigation;(b) To comply with applicable laws or to respond to subpoenas or warrants served on Fabconnect; (c) To safeguard or assert the rights of Fabconnect or users of the Website or Services; and/or (d) To investigate or contribute to the prevention of any violation or potential violation of the law, this Privacy Policy, or our Terms of Use.

 

 

 

 

 

How We Ensure the Security of Your Personal Data

 

We have implemented commercially reasonable security measures to prevent your personal data from being accidentally lost, used or accessed in an unauthorized manner, altered, or disclosed.

 

We have established procedures to address any actual or suspected personal data breaches. In the event of such a breach, we have established protocols to collaborate with relevant regulatory authorities. Additionally, in specific situations (e.g., when legally required), we may notify you of breaches affecting your personal data.

 

We will only retain your personal data for as long as it is reasonably necessary for the purposes outlined above, unless a longer retention period is mandated by law (e.g., for regulatory purposes).

 

Access to your personal data is restricted to employees and other staff members who have a legitimate business need for such access. All individuals with access are bound by contractual obligations of confidentiality.

 

The duration for which we retain your Personal Data

 

We will retain your personal data only for as long as it is reasonably necessary for the purposes outlined above, unless a longer retention period is mandated by law, such as for regulatory compliance.

 

Your Rights Regarding Your Personal Data

 

Under specific circumstances, as mandated by law, you have the right to:

 

Under certain circumstances, as legally prescribed, you have the following rights:

 

• Request access to your personal data: You can request a copy of the personal data we hold about you and verify the lawful processing of this data.

 

• Request correction of your personal data: If your personal data is incomplete or inaccurate, you have the right to request corrections.

 

• Request erasure of your personal data: You can ask us to delete or remove your personal data when there is no valid reason for us to continue processing it. This right also applies when you've exercised your right to object to processing.

 

• Object to processing of your personal data: You can object to processing based on our Legitimate Interests, particularly if your specific circumstances warrant such objection. You also have the right to object to the processing of your personal data for direct marketing purposes.

 

• Request the restriction of processing of your personal data: You can request the suspension of processing your personal data, such as when you need to verify its accuracy or the reason for processing.

 

• Request the transfer of your personal data: We will provide you, or a chosen third party, with your personal data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format. This right applies specifically to automated information for which you initially provided consent or when we used the information to fulfill a contract with you.

 

• Withdraw consent: If we rely on your consent to process your personal data, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.

 

 

How to Assert Your Rights

 

If you wish to exercise any of the rights outlined above, please reach out to us via email at info@fabconnect.me

 

We rely on our Legitimate Interests as the legal basis for processing your personal data when sending you marketing communications. If you wish to exercise your right to object to this processing, you can do so by following the opt-out procedures provided in the marketing email you received or by contacting us directly (please refer to the contact information below). Upon receiving your objection, we will promptly cease processing your personal data for the purpose of sending you marketing communications.

 

Please note that even if you opt out of marketing communications, we may still send you service-related communications, such as notifications regarding updates to our Terms of Use or Privacy Policy.

 

Typically, you will not be charged a fee to access your personal data (or to exercise any of the other rights described above). However, in cases where your request is manifestly unfounded, repetitive, or excessive, except in the case of Consent Withdrawal, we may levy a reasonable fee or refuse to fulfill your request under these circumstances.

 

To confirm your identity and validate your right to access your personal data (or exercise any other rights), we may need to request specific information from you. This is a security measure designed to prevent the disclosure of personal data to unauthorized individuals. Additionally, we may get in touch with you to request additional information related to your request to expedite our response.

 

 

We aim to address all legitimate requests within one month. However, in certain situations where your request is notably complex or multiple requests have been made, it may take us longer than a month to respond. In such cases, we will notify you and keep you informed of the progress.

 

Complaints

 

If you wish to file a complaint regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your Personal Data, please reach out to us at: info@fabconnect.me .  We will respond to your complaint at our earliest convenience.

 

If you believe that your complaint has not been adequately addressed, please be aware that the GDPR grants you the right to contact your local data protection supervisory authority for further assistance.

 

Privacy and Links to Third Parties

 

This Privacy Policy pertains exclusively to information gathered through our Website and Services. In an effort to offer you additional value, we may incorporate links to third-party websites on our Website. These linked sites maintain distinct and separate privacy policies, and we lack control over and do not review the practices of these linked sites. Consequently, we bear no responsibility or liability for the content and actions of these linked sites. Nevertheless, we are committed to safeguarding the integrity of our Website and welcome any feedback regarding these linked sites, including reports of broken or malfunctioning links.

 

Online Policy Only

 

This Privacy Policy is applicable solely to information collected through our Website and Services and does not pertain to information collected by us offline.

 

Do Not Track Signals

 

Certain web browsers may send "do not track" signals to websites and other online services with which your web browser interacts. Currently, there is no established standard dictating what actions websites should take upon receiving these signals. At present, we do not take specific actions in response to these signals. However, if a standard governing such signals is established in the future, we may update our policy regarding our response to these signals accordingly.