Seamless Linkage with Production for More Efficient Sampling!—Transferring Data After Virtual Sampling

Written by wearware | Sep 9, 2024 12:00:00 AM

In our previous article, we introduced how virtual sampling on the SDS^®-ONE APEX series design software can be incredibly useful when planning knit products. In this second installment of our six-part series promoting digital solutions in the fashion industry, we will explore the process of creating specification sheets on the SDS^®-ONE APEX series, which product planners can use to effectively communicate designs to manufacturers. The key to seamless collaboration between planning and production lies in the use of digital tools rather than using traditional analog methods. This time, our mission at wearware to introducing fashion tech solutions that support digital transformation (DX) in the fashion and apparel industry will focus on the production side.

Table of Contents

Challenges in Cooperation with Production Side and Factories
What is the SDS^®-ONE APEX Series?
Creating Specification Sheets for Seamless Cooperation from Planning to Production
・The Basic Information is Patterns and Measurement Tables
・Output the Design (for Striped Patterns)
・Convey Structure Patterns with Accurate Production Codes
・Export 3D Images to Share More Concrete Visuals
Summary Material Giveaway
Can the Apparel and Fashion Industry Truly Promote DX?
APEXFiz^®, the Subscription Service From the SDS^®-ONE APEX Series
Comprehensive Guide to Digitalization in the Fashion Industry! "Overview of Six-Part Series"

The content of this article is based on a webinar hosted by Shima Seiki. You can register to view recorded content and download materials for all six webinar sessions from the link below.

Fashion Tech Webinar Series Archive Released!

The Fashion Tech Webinar introduces solutions to promote digitalization in the fashion industry in a six-part series.
View the site

Challenges in Cooperation with Production Side and Factories

In the apparel industry, there are often physical distances between planning and production locations. In recent years, the industry has faced increasing pressure to reconsider various aspects, including environmental considerations and improvements in working conditions. Amidst this, there is a growing momentum to leverage digital technology to reduce waste in clothing production.

So, how can the flow from planning to production of knit products be transformed digitally? Let's first take a look at the current workflow.

Typically, the following types of instruction sheets are commonly used to convey product images and measurements from the planning side to the production side, such as factories.

However, there have been challenges where photos and illustrations alone fail to convey a clear image, leading to rework. To prevent such miscommunications, the accuracy of the specification sheets, which are the sole message from planners to producers, becomes crucial. This time, we will introduce the process of creating precise specification sheets using the design software of SDS^®-ONE APEX series.

If you are eager to know more details right now, please download the following materials. The detailed explanation includes an introduction to the design software's interface.

What is the SDS^®-ONE APEX Series?

First, let's briefly introduce the SDS^®-ONE APEX series. The SDS^®-ONE APEX series is a design system developed by Shima Seiki, a manufacturer of flat knitting machines. This system is equipped with software specialized in creating patterns, textile designs and colorways, also simulating various types of fabrics, including flat knits, woven fabrics, prints, circular knits, towels, and embroidery. It is widely used in the fashion industry and beyond.

When creating digital samples for knits (hereafter referred to as virtual samples), data for production with the flat knitting machines is automatically generated behind the scenes. Additionally, detailed information necessary to reproduce the desired patterns is also output. This time, we will provide a detailed explanation of how to seamlessly digitally link the process from planning to production of knit product.

If you are curious about how to create virtual samples, please refer to the following link.

Key Features for 3D Virtual Sampling of Knitwear!

Virtual Samples: the Savior of the Apparel and Fashion Industry, is key to cutting down on sampling time and costs in clothing manufacturing and avoiding creating wasted resources. In the first session of our 6-part series on solution for promoting the digitalization of fashion industry, we will introduce the process of planning knitwear using virtual samples.

Creating Specification Sheets for Seamless Cooperation from Planning to Production

To ensure smooth cooperation with factories, it is essential to have a specification sheet with precise instructions. In knit product planning, it is convenient to include patterns, designs, structure patterns, and 3D images in the specification sheet. Here, we will introduce four key points for creating instruction sheets using the SDS^®-ONE APEX series.

The Basic Information is Patterns and Measurement Tables

In the SDS^®-ONE APEX series, by inputting the measurements of the product you want to create, the software automatically creates a pattern. The measurement information and pattern images can be output as data. You can use this data by printing it out and attaching it to the specification sheet or by including it in an e-mail attachment.

Output the Design (for Striped Patterns)

Once the silhouette of the product is decided, you can start planning the pattern design. For instance, if you design a striped pattern, you need specific instructions for the stripe pitch. Using the pattern creation tool in the design software, you can export the stripe information in a laid-out format. The information about the colors used is also output along with color chips, which helps prevent any miscommunication about colors.

Convey Structure Patterns with Accurate Production Codes

Next, for knits, there may be structure patterns such as links or cables. Unlike striped patterns, structure patterns affect the knitting method, not just the yarn color. With only an image, the producer has to draw the knitting code (a program specific to knitting) based on the image, which can lead to discrepancies between the planned design and actual knitted sample.

However, with the SDS^®-ONE APEX series design software, the knitting code for structure patterns is automatically generated during the design process. By attaching this auto-generated code to the specification sheet, you reduce the burden on the producer and ensure that the planner’s intended design is accurately conveyed, benefiting both parties.

Export 3D Images to Share More Concrete Visuals

Finally, if you have completed a virtual sample at the planning stage, you can export it as a 3D image and add detailed instructions with comments. Providing several images from different angles gives a more concrete simulation image.

Summary Material Giveaway

So far, we have introduced fashion tech solutions using the SDS^®-ONE APEX series design software to ensure seamless cooperation from planning to production.

We are pleased to offer a summary document packed with actual screen captures from the SDS^®-ONE APEX series and 3D simulation images. Please download it from the following link and take a look!

Can the Apparel and Fashion Industry Truly Promote DX?

Digital Transformation (DX) aims to bring transformative change to people's lives through the integration of IT technology. It has become a buzzword among many industries, with companies expected to engage in it as a matter of course.

However, the apparel industry has lagged significantly behind in DX, because traditionally it has relied heavily on physical samples for planning and production.

In recent years however, environmental considerations have made sustainability more or less mandatory in fashion. The harsh reality of overproduction and unsold inventory has driven this shift.

Moreover, the digitalization accelerated by COVID has spurred initiatives like live commerce and e-commerce. New sales models, such as online fitting rooms and virtual fashion shows are emerging, marking a period of transition for the fashion industry.

Isn't it exciting to think about what awaits us beyond the horizon? There are bound to be more activity surrounding the integration of online and offline experiences, resulting in the blending of real and virtual worlds. A fully digitalized future for the fashion industry may not be so far in the future.

APEXFiz^®, the Subscription Service From the SDS^®-ONE APEX Series

Introducing the APEXFiz^® software subscription service from the SDS^®-ONE APEX series. Just like the SDS-ONE APEX series design system, it allows you to perform everything from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation, and 3D virtual sampling of products. It digitally connects planning and design with manufacturing, shortening lead times and enabling environmentally friendly production.

From Planning to Production and Even E-Commerce: Why APEXFiz^® Design Software is Considered the Ultimate in Realistic Virtual Sampling

When planning fashion and apparel products, what software do you use? From CLO3D, Browzwear and Optitex to the familiar Adobe suite, there are certainly many options out there. This time we introduce APEXFiz^®, a design software that is extremely useful for everything from planning and production to e-commerce.

Interested in learning more about APEXFiz^® design software? SHIMA SEIKI, the developer and distributor offers a newsletter subscription with information on products, services and exhibition updates. You can subscribe to their newsletter here.

Comprehensive Guide to Digitalization in the Fashion Industry! "Overview of Six-Part Series"

At wearware, we are introducing solutions to promote digitalization in the fashion industry in a six-part series. Please look forward to the upcoming articles!

Overview of 6-Part Series

Key Features for 3D Virtual Sampling of Knitwear!
Seamless Linkage with Production for More Efficient Sampling!
How to Start Up a Digital Design Project!
Realizing Manufacturing Without Physical Samples!
Accelerating DX in Your Planning Work with Fabric Simulation!
Increase your e-commerce profits using virtual samples!

Moreover, you can register to view all six webinar recordings and download related materials from the following site.