[TC]² Bi-Weekly Technology Communicator
Pattern Development Seminar at [TC]²
February 5-7, 2008
Accepting registrations now
Learn introductory principles of fit, pattern development, and marker making. Hands-on activities include flat pattern manipulations and drafting.
Seminar Highlights:
• Learn basic pattern terminology.
• Review patternmaking principles related to customer fit.
• Learn and apply two flat pattern techniques.
• Use slopers to make first patterns.
• Draft pants from body measurements.
• Apply grade rules to pattern pieces of a basic garment.
• Discuss utilization of production requirements to appropriately engineer patterns.
• Study effects of pattern development on grading, marker making, cutting, sewing, and the final garment.
Program is designed for beginning Patternmakers, Specifications and Costing Engineers, Spreaders and Cutters, Sewing Supervisors, and Merchandisers.
For course information and registration, please call Elizabeth Salisbury at 919.653.3507, or use this contact form.
Grading For Fit Seminar – March 4-6
Ensuring the correct fit of any garment is a challenge faced by designers and manufacturers. Proper grading is the answer. Attend this program where the basic principles of grading are explained through hands-on projects, which include deriving grade rules and manually grading three basic garments.
Strategies for Post Elimination of Quotas
By Kim Anderson, [TC]²
In the late 1960’s apparel and textile imports began to enter the U.S. In an effort to safeguard domestic production, the U.S., Canada and several other countries established the Multifiber Arrangement (MFA) in 1973. Under the provisions of the agreement, a quota system was put in place that established the maximum number of products that could be legally exported to World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries. These amounts differed from country to country and were based on historic purchasing patterns. On January 1st 2005, the quotas officially ended. No one knows exactly what will happen with the global elimination of quotas, but the consensus among industry analysts is that lean processes, collaborative relationships, consolidation, versatility and speed will be essential to success in a quota-free environment.
LEAN PROCESSES
Competition has become increasingly intense especially in terms of price. Many suppliers have been seeking to improve productivity by implementing lean processes. The implementation of lean processes creates a simpler, more efficient and responsive production operation. Lean processes can also result in producing higher quality products in a shorter amount of time—ultimately saving time and money.
COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS
Before the quotas were lifted many large scale textile and apparel companies tended to have short-term relationships with their suppliers. Quotas restricted the amount of products that could be shipped resulting in a transaction by transaction business strategy. Now that almost all quotas have been phased out, companies will be able to develop long-term strategic partnerships with suppliers.
A close working relationship between a company and its supplier can minimize costs, maximize quality and optimize lead times. During a recent panel discussion at SPESA Expo 2007, Chuck Nesbit, Executive VP and COO, Chico’s FAS, Inc., explained the importance of good long term relationships— “Chico’s suppliers are part of the team, there is inherent trust…since they understand pricing they can focus on speed and great product quality.” A collaborative relationship also benefits the supplier because they can count on a guaranteed demand for their output.
CONSOLIDATION
Quotas on textiles and apparel products prior to 2005 forced companies to operate in a large number of countries. With the phase-out of quotas many companies will now be able to consolidate sourcing operations. They can select countries based on costs and efficiency rather than being limited by volume of production.
SPEED AND VERSATILITY
Speed and versatility will continue to be important. Developing logistics and transportation capabilities will be crucial. Lead times are playing an increasingly important role in sourcing as retailers work toward having leaner operations and lower inventories.
Investing in information technology infrastructures will expedite processes as well as serve to improve competitiveness through better planning and monitoring in real-time.
Although the U.S. and the European Union have implemented specific safeguard quotas with China to last an additional three years, the global phase-out of the quota system will increase competition in the textile and apparel industries. However, if companies know what strategies will be important, there might also be opportunities.
References
Lean Supply Chain Management in the Fashion Industry. Robert McKee and David Ross, Lawson.
Plunkett Research Ltd., www.plunkettresearch.com
Strategies for Textiles and Apparel Manufacturers in the Post-Quota Era: Prospects to 2015. Textile Outlook International, July-August 2007.
[TC]² Activity
Fast Fashion at INTERMODA Expo
By Jim Lovejoy, [TC]²
The semi-annual INTERMODA Fashion Expo in Guadalajara from January 15 – 18 was impressive with most of the Mexican apparel brands and many international brands displaying their latest designs. At frequent intervals, the background music became more noticeable and the crowd would migrate to one of the runways for a fashion show. The women, men and children who modeled were very professional.
One of the keynote presentations, “Fast Fashion - Today’s Panacea” was presented by [TC]²’s Lovejoy and Arturo Rodriguez, Manager for Latin America activities. Fast Fashion case studies from the successful retailers and brands in Spain, United States and Mexico had similar themes: focus on the consumer, invest for speed and flexibility, simplify the decision making and use people that care and share the passion. The audience of over 200 people was demonstrative in expressing their appreciation to the speakers.
[TC]² will hold a similar program at its Cary, NC offices on February 27th. For more information, click here.
Cool Zone Profile
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The “Cool Zone” Goes to “Coolombia” with Shapely Shadow
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
Following its very successful debut at SPESA Expo in Miami Beach in May 2007, [TC]² and SPESA partnered to set up and coordinate another Cool Zone during Colombiatex de las Americas in Medellín, Colombia on January 22-24, 2008.
Shapely Shadow Inc. provided a cornerstone exhibit in The Cool Zone to showcase its FastFit™ software tool which captures movement and allows viewing of garments in 360 degrees. Users can also record live video or import existing video into a computer using a digital video camera. The video camera can then be connected to a computer to download the video to create rotating images of garments in a matter of seconds.
FastFit360 connects retailers, suppliers, brands, manufacturers and business partners in an easy to adopt, user-friendly, 24/7 fit platform that is easily accessible by authorized employees. With FastFit’s Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, users can optimize fit communication, reduce cost and increase profitability. It can eliminate inefficient, redundant and costly fit sessions while creating enforceable standards and processes.
The Cool Zone concept was introduced by [TC]² to showcase leading edge technologies that are in support of a totally digital supply chain.
SPESA is a leading trade association devoted to the advancement of the suppliers of sewn products machinery, ancillary equipment, parts, services, technology, and supply chain solutions for the global sewn products industry.
Important Dates
January
29 |
Sizing: The Bottom Line. Presented by AAFA and Fashion Institute of Technology, at FIT in New York. For details, visit www.apparelandfootwear.org. |
February
5-7 |
Pattern Development, seminar at [TC]². For details, click here. |
27 |
Fast Fashion vs. Speed to Market, seminar at [TC]². For details, click here. |
25-28 |
Technical Design and Pattern Development with Telestia. For details, click here. |
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
Colombiatex
View previous editions of this newsletter
[TC]²
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Phone: 919-380-2156
Fax: 919-380-2181
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