Japan's Shima Seiki unveils APEXFiz subscription-based design software

01 Apr '21

3 min read

Pic: Shima Seiki

Shima Seiki, flat knitting solutions provider of Wakayama, Japan, has announced the release of its new APEXFiz subscription-based design software. APEXFiz is intended to aid in the digital transformation of the fashion industry. Shima Seiki has been dedicating its products and services to the knitting industry through its computerised knitting technology.

APEXFiz is the latest addition to Shima Seiki’s proven SDS-onE APEX series design system line-up, but with an unprecedented twist. Whereas previous APEX-series design systems were offered as an all-in-one proprietary hardware/software package, for the first time in its nearly 40 years of design system development, Shima Seiki has released its new APEXFiz as subscription-based design software that can be installed on customers’ individual computers. Maintaining proven functions that have made the APEX series so popular with fashion designers, with APEXFiz those strengths are now enhanced with the added versatility to adapt to different work styles and business environments of the new normal, including teleworking and telecommuting. APEXFiz is furthermore available in five different product variations that can be selected according to the customer’s needs, from APEXFiz Design Junior to APEXFiz Design Pro, Shima Seiki said in a press release.

APEXFiz software supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colourway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Otherwise known as digital twins, virtual samples are a digitised version of sample making that allows visual confirmation of garment designs without the need for knitting physical samples. Virtual sampling on APEXFiz is also a communication tool that is not only an accurate representation of the product, but it also digitally bridges the gap between the studio and the factory. By sending data to the knit manufacturer it can be converted to machine programming data, shortening lead times and allowing the production of items faithful to their design as originally intended by the designer. This accuracy allows virtual samples on APEXFiz to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that are otherwise wasted. APEXFiz thereby helps to realise sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain, Shima Seiki said.

APEXFiz is supported by two other web services to enhance its user experience. Yarnbank is the world’s first online web service for searching and viewing the latest yarns, developed with cooperation from yarn companies from around the world. Registered users can download yarn data for free, for use in fabric simulation and virtual sampling on APEXFiz, avoiding the need to scan yarn on their own. By using yarn that is used in actual production, designers and apparel companies can furthermore rest assured that the simulations created using yarn from Yarnbank are not merely realistic images but accurate representations using yarn that can actually be purchased and used in production, according to Shima Seiki.

SHIMAnAVI e-learning system allows APEXFiz users to experience online training when and where it is convenient, and at their own pace, supporting new normal: work styles. SHIMAnAVI features several courses available in different languages to suit the needs of individual customers as well.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)

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