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What You Need To Know About Going Digital in Apparel Industry
As technology has advanced since the start of the Industrial Revolution, machines, electronics, and digital computers have improved the efficiency of apparel production.
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Applied Technology Review | Monday, October 09, 2023
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Companies and retailers use artificial intelligence to predict sales of specific products in certain locations and adjust their inventory accordingly. Various modes of transportation can also be measured and reported on in terms of their environmental impact through digital technology.
Fremont, CA: As technology has advanced since the start of the Industrial Revolution, machines, electronics, and digital computers have improved the efficiency of apparel production. The 'fourth industrial revolution' is currently underway. Software that monitors and learns itself exchanges data with machines to integrate the production process and match supply with demand. Our goal is to create a value chain that is more transparent, efficient, flexible, and cost-effective than ever before. As a result of this report, you will better understand what digitalization means for the apparel industry and how you can benefit from it.
The apparel industry has been automating manual labor and digitizing analog data for many years. A 'smart' factory operating in an Industry 4.0 context is characterized by integrating multiple steps in the production process, such as purchasing, inventory management, design, tech pack creation, costing, manufacturing, and sales, using digital data. Data tracking and exchange between the software and machines involved in these processes make a supply chain digital.
Fabric Making
As part of weaving, knitting, dyeing, washing, and finishing, digitalization and machine learning are primarily used for controlling and reducing inputs (raw materials, energy, water, and chemicals), recycling solid and liquid waste, assessing fabric performance, predicting fabric performance, maintaining quality, and planning fabric and accessory purchases. The use of automation can also enhance the safety of workers. Chemicals and machinery used in dyeing and laundry are kept behind closed doors, reducing the risk of employee exposure.
Manufacturing
As a result of the development of 3D design and prototyping, manufacturing has been impacted. Designing garments with 3D software facilitates the understanding of fit, reduces quality issues, and eliminates the need to send samples back and forth for approval, thereby saving designers time and money. Handling takes up 80% of the production time and cutting, sewing, and finishing costs. In this workstation, AI-controlled CNC/CAD/CAM pattern and cutting machines, overhead conveyors, and tracking terminals facilitate productivity while reducing energy consumption and waste.
Logistics
As a result of digitalizing logistics, costs can be reduced, and speed and flexibility can be improved. In addition to barcodes, RFID chips, and online platforms, manufacturers can track material flow through their factories and track incoming and outgoing shipments in real time using the latest tracking solutions. Companies and retailers use artificial intelligence to predict sales of specific products in certain locations and adjust their inventory accordingly. Various modes of transportation can also be measured and reported on in terms of their environmental impact through digital technology.
Sales
A profitable business requires constant analysis of sales to your buyers as well as the performance of your apparel items in the marketplace. To maximize sales and liquidity, you must collect and analyze sales data to optimize product development and stock-keeping. Sales teams gather the following data: turnaround time, colors, returns, fitting, quality, price versus sales, profitability, trends, and sizing. When engaging with (potential) buyers, new developments such as digital showrooms and catwalk shows reduce time and cost.