Textile value chain goes digital: Swiss Textile Machinery Association

“Making digitalisation our friend opens doors for business model innovations, which is essential for our industry competitiveness. The approach is to digitalise everything that can be digitalised. We won’t stop,” said André Imhof, CEO of Autefa Solutions Switzerland AG, on behalf of Swiss Textile Machinery Association members.

“The process of digitalisation in the textile industry today is continuous – faster in some segments than others – but noticeable everywhere. Automation is promising in many areas of finishing and making-up, where initial investments are being made. An example is folding of finished goods, previously a slow manual operation. Now, high-performance automatic folding machines from Swiss company Espritech deliver the potential for cost savings, unlocking new options for positive change at this most labour-intensive stage of production. For manufacturers in low-cost areas, the benefit results from its volume and is a simple financial one. In higher-cost segments, the application of this technology can be part of a completely new business model, taking production closer to the end customer,” Swiss Textile Machinery Association said in a press release.

Pioneering in the field of digitalisation embraces social responsibility along with the introduction of bold new technological innovation. That’s a commitment made by Uster, as it aims to shape future working practices in the textile industry in areas where its systems are applied. In fabric inspection, that means combining the strengths of human capabilities with the performance of Artificial Intelligence. Automatic defect classification with machine learning technology is the next leap in digitalisation for fabric manufacturers, following on from automated detection of fabric faults, which is already well established in weaving and finishing mills. This will bring benefits in profitability for the manufacturer – as well as an improved working environment for their operatives, freed from repetitive tasks.

Access to data is critical in the digitalised world of textiles. It must be flexible, fast and secure, and available to all levels of the company – worldwide. Jakob Muller serves the narrow fabrics industry ideally with a digitalisation portal, perfectly developed to provide essential production information. The portal is a browser-based production data acquisition system, with direct access to the machine controls. The system offers unique data monitoring and communication on a global framework. Digitised weave rooms present information 24/7 on desktops at the customer’s plant, as well as on tablets and smartphones remotely.

Taking advantage of the latest digital technology, Rieter offers customers a unique experience. Their digital spinning suite helps spinners overcome their daily challenges and manage costs and efficiency more effectively. This all-in-one mill management system connects all the machinery, giving quick access to the right information and a holistic view, from bale to yarn. Users profit from full transparency, and are presented with recommendations based on long-standing experience and know-how. This is digitalisation at its most practical, applied to allow spinners to make the most of their installed machinery, the release added.

As a solutions provider, Saurer puts digitalisation at the core of business, integral to its technology offering to customers. Some latest examples include self-optimisation of spinning machines, and a fully automated transport of cylindrical or conical cross-wound packages. Autefa Solutions uses the concept of digital twinning, visualising any real-world concept of a nonwovens line to make it easier for potential customers to grasp the idea. It’s also a big help for training and servicing needs.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)