Texprocess to show full range of apparel sector software

Today the situation looks entirely different: strategic alliances and take-overs demand seamless integration across the system, the software is (more) intuitive to use and is available in different language versions for the most important countries in the garment sector.

The power of even the most ordinary, commercially available computers today is adequate and, above all, affordable for small businesses; internet connections are faster and have greater capacity. On occasion, this technology is even said to merit a "green" label, because it obviates the need to send environmentally burdensome samples as, indeed, it obviates the need for people to travel to see examples of fashion designs.

The complex software suites - mostly modular in structure - that can cover the entire process from the initial sketch to the control of end sales (buzzword: Product Lifecycle Management – PLM) represent real investment of capital. Of course, these suites can be bought, but leasing and pay-per-use concepts (buzzword: 'on demand') do not tie up capital. The real cost factor is staff training. Although graduates of the relevant training centres have generally worked with one or other of these systems, specific training is necessary if these complex programmes are to be used efficiently.

Alternatives and prospects

Communications technology is also catching on to an alternative concept. The basic ingredient here is a physical dummy, with a soft filling that provides a good imitation of the consistency of the human body. Staff in the design studio dress these dummies in the prototype garments and then launch a video-conference with the client, where they can discuss the design and the fit. As well as the standard figures - and this is where the current international serial measurements come into their own - dummies that are specific to a given company or brand can also be manufactured. The advantage here, compared to the virtual world, is the genuine threedimensionality (as against traditional fitting with an in-house model) and the constant availability of a defined figure wherever product development takes place.

These solutions, which are both quick and keep down processing costs, are particularly helpful to suppliers who seek to present the broadest possible palette of different models at short intervals. That includes individually produced items in industrial situations and made-to-measure items. It will appeal to a clientele who value individuality, but is not inclined to pay exclusive prices.

Messe Frankfurt