[TC]² Bi-Weekly Technology Communicator
[TC]² Activity
Utilizing SizeUSA Data to Reassess the Size and Fit of Sheer Hosiery
By Kim Anderson, [TC]²
For years U.S. sheer hosiery manufacturers have used NAHM flat forms, Wolf Forms and various non-standardized forms to assess the fit of sheer hosiery. However, the lack of a standard industry form has resulted in inconsistencies. Realizing a reliable method was needed, a group of sheer manufacturers formed The Sheer Hosiery Sizing Committee and contacted the Hosiery Technology Center for help. The goal was to establish a repeatable, consistent and cost effective procedure for testing the size and fit of women’s and girl’s hosiery products.
From the onset, researchers knew they needed current measurements of real people to build an updated form. The Hosiery Technology Center collaborated with [TC]² researchers to extract the average measurements for a given height and weight range from the SizeUSA survey. From this data a CAD drawing of a human leg was rendered and a 2D form constructed. A number of challenges arose. More than one 2D form would be needed to assess the fit of a range of sizes. In addition, to determine the fit, researchers needed to touch and feel the hose on the form which led to subjective and hard to measure results. The research group decided a 3D form would be superior to a 2D form.
To produce a 3D form of the human leg, volumetric based measurements were extracted at three key points—the hip, knee and ankle. Researchers used the volume of these three points to estimate the shapes and curves of the adjoining area. A 3D CAD drawing of a human leg was rendered. From the drawing a 3D form was built and tested. The fit of a wide range of sizes could accurately be tested on the 3D form. Hosiery designed for women weighing between 90-200 pounds—whether she was tall and linear or short and round—could be determined on the 3D form.
The success of the project was due to accurate reliable data, thorough research and collaboration between the teams. Researchers plan to elaborate on the project. Future plans include constructing a form that will determine the fit of hosiery for women ranging from 200-450 pounds. They also will expand the form to include the waist and hip.
[TC]² 2007 Student Intern Program Patrons
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
The [TC]² Summer Student Internship program would not have been possible without the cooperation of the many companies who provide facility tours, or whose company representatives met with the interns to discuss career opportunities and the future direction of the sewn products industry. At the completion of the eight week student internship, [TC]² thanks the following program patrons: AATCC; Acme-McCrary Corporation; Asheboro Elastics; Buzz Off Insect Shield; Data Savvy; The Fralix Group; Freudenberg Nonwovens; International Apparel Search; JCPenney Company; Methods Workshop; Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind; Royal Park Uniforms; Sapona Mills; SPESA; and VF Corporation.
[TC]² Student Intern Program Review
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
The eight week [TC]² student intern program culminated on July 26, 2007, with business plans presentations by three intern teams. Interns were tasked with creating a product, identifying a target market, outlining sales and marketing strategies with promotional materials, and presenting a budget with sales forecasts. Invited guests were given “[TC]² tender” to invest in the business plan, which, in their opinion, had the best chance for success.
The final two weeks of the internship included field trips to VF Jeanswear, Sapona Mills, Acme-McCrary Corporation, and Asheboro Elastics. Business discussions were held with various organizations, including Jason Griffin of Buzz Off Insect Shield; Traci Petty of Data Savvy; Patti Fralix of the Fralix Group; Angela Cruz of Gerber Technology; and Hari Kenkare and Dianne Meshejian of Lectra.
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Pictured, from left, Allison Osteen, Oklahoma State University; April Taylor, East Carolina University; Jessie Hill, Baylor University; Heather McCready, Iowa State University; Amy Lehan, University of Wisconsin-Stout; and Leanne Thornton, Mississippi State University. |
[TC]² and the Student Interns gratefully acknowledge internship program sponsors Gerber Technology; JCPenney Company; Lectra; Shapely Shadow; and WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production).
[TC]² Student Intern Sponsor Profile - WRAP
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
[TC]² is pleased to recognize WRAP as a Silver Sponsor of the 2007 Student Internship Program.
WRAP, Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production, is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the certification of lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing throughout the world. Apparel producers are accountable for their global production practices to consumers, retailers, governments, and others regarding human rights. A WRAP-certified factory provides assurances that standards are being met.
The objective of the Apparel Certification Program monitors and certifies compliance with standards including:
• Compliance with Laws and Workplace Regulations |
Factories apply for certification, complete a self-assessment, and an independent monitor conducts a plant review. Civil society organizations regularly perform audits or unannounced inspections for compliance.
[TC]² and the 2007 student interns gratefully acknowledge WRAP as a Silver Level Sponsor and wish to thank the organization for its support of the intern program.
Increase Speed to Market with PLM
By Mark Burstein, VP of PLM Solutions at NGC
In today’s apparel and sewn products industries, speed to market is more important than ever – yet harder to achieve. Companies are managing more styles in a shorter period of time, working with factories halfway across the globe. By implementing a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution, a company can increase speed and efficiency, while gaining visibility into every step of the design and production process. PLM has quickly become a key technology enabling brands and retailers to collaborate with their suppliers and factories, and consequently get their products to market faster and much more efficiently.
Improve your Speed to Market with PLM
PLM provides real-time information accessible to everyone involved in a product’s lifecycle. Instant access to the most updated information increases visibility throughout each step, enabling brands and retailers to get their product from design concept to the retail floor in the shortest possible period of time. Armed with the right information, companies can focus on “extinguishing the sparks” now instead of fighting fires down the line. As a result, brands and retailers can gain precious time in the design and production process and begin designing closer to the trends – ensuring they’re delivering the products that consumers really want.
Don’t Forget the Back End
For total visibility throughout the complete supply chain, PLM systems should also include the back end of sourcing, production and landing the goods. Especially with the geographic and cultural barriers involved with using factories scattered around the globe, real-time communication and visibility can help ensure that companies deliver the right products to the right places at the right time, with higher quality than ever before. A PLM system enables companies to maximize full-price sales, with fewer markdowns for retailers and fewer returns for apparel companies.
NGC and e-PLM
One PLM solution available is e-PLM from NGC® (New Generation Computing®), which is a collaborative web-based model encompassing the entire product lifecycle, from initial product design to receipt of finished goods at the Distribution Center. With e-PLM, customers have access to a system that serves as an information and communications portal for everyone in the apparel supply chain: retailers, brand managers, contractors, agents, brokers, manufacturers, and logistics providers. Companies can use e-PLM to organize and share common business processes and product information with design, product development, planning, engineering, manufacturing and sourcing suppliers around the world.
PLM software solutions have helped many leading companies gain real-time visibility, improve speed to market and enhance quality control throughout their supply chain. NGC is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Software Inc.
For more information, visit www.ngcsoftware.com.
Material World New York
From design to delivery, Material World is the major semi-annual full package, sourcing, IT, fabric, trim and trend trade event for the sewn products industry. As an official event of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the September 25-27, 2007 event will feature the most comprehensive presentation of US domestic and regional providers from throughout the Americas and the Caribbean as well as a strong international exhibitor base of garment manufacturers, fabric and trimming suppliers from around the globe. New for 2007, Material World New York will put special focus on five key growth areas including Eco-Friendly, Performance, Product Lifecycle Management, Design & Merchandising Solutions and Home Furnishings Fabrics. In addition, Material World also features a comprehensive roster of educational programs, networking events, product packaging and trend pavilions. For more information, visit www.material-world.com.
Important Dates
August
15 |
Textile Fundamentals, Gaston College East Campus, 1:00pm to 4:00pm. |
22 |
Quality & Systems Improvement – Six Sigma for the Sewing Industry; Seminar at [TC]². For more details, click here. |
28 |
Developing Digitally Printed Products; Seminar at [TC]². For more details, click here. |
28 |
Apparel’s Sourcing Summit, presented at Sourcing at Magic, Las Vegas Convention Center |
September
13 |
Seams & Stitches – The Technical Details; Seminar at [TC]². For more details, click here. |
17-21 |
Intro to Apparel Manufacturing; Seminar at [TC]². For more details, click here. |
21-22 |
SEAMS Fall Meeting at [TC]². For details, visit www.seams.org. |
25-27 |
Material World, Jacob Javits Center, New York. For more details visit www.material-world.com. |
For detailed information about industry events, visit www.techexchange.com
Thanks to the techexchange site sponsors
Apparel Magazine, Gerber Technology, Lawson, Lectra, Methods Workshop and Reach Technologies.
A Look Ahead in the Newsletter
Material World
SEAMS Fall Meeting
View previous editions of this newsletter
[TC]²
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