An improved method for operating a textile machine having plural workstations comprising exchangeable components, each having a readable and writable transponder arranged on or integrated in the exchangeable components. During the lifecycle of the exchangeable components at least the operating data which influence the wearing of the exchangeable components are automatically stored on the respective transponder. Textile machines for carrying out the method are characterised by arranging in the region of each workstation at least one transceiver for writing and reading the transponders attached to or integrated in the exchangeable components.