[TC]² Technology Communicator

[TC]² to Showcase ImageTwin Suite of Virtual Fashion Solutions
in the SPESA Expo 2010 Cool Zone

By David Bruner, [TC]²

A cornerstone of the Cool Zone presentation at SPESA Expo will be [TC]²’s ImageTwin Virtual Fashion solutions. [TC]² has had a long-time presence in the 3D body scanning arena with apparel solutions for both made-to-measure clothing and size prediction of standard-sized clothing. [TC]² is now the market leader with over 100 active 3D body scanning customer sites around the world. These solutions are now further enhanced with the ability to see oneself in selected garments in a virtual fashion simulation. The Virtual Fashion solution suite starts with a high fidelity avatar (digital human) that is created either from 3D body scan data or with manual measurements entered in a web interface. The avatar is further enhanced with face colorization from a digital photo and selection of over 20 hair styles.

The process continues with the selection of a garment – or many garments – as the entire simulation takes only about a minute for each – faster than trying on the real product. The web version which uses manual measurements instead of the body scan will be demonstrated as a web application either by computer or on an iPhone.

In addition to viewing the garment on a personal digital avatar from any 3D view of a static pose, [TC]² will be demonstrating for the first time Avatar and clothing animation from 3D body scans in real time for Cool Zone visitors.  Included will be simple walking animations but also some fun “sports” and “game” animation sequences which will be displayed on big screens. 

Virtual Fashion over the Web and iPhone

Garment content for the ImageTwin Virtual Fashion system will be shown from participating 3D CAD partners such as Lectra, Browzwear, OptiTex, and [TC]²’s own V-Dresser application.  V-Dresser is a 3D garment generation system which uses garment photos to quickly and easily generate 3D garment content for the Virtual Fashion system.

Come to the Cool Zone at Booth 5749 and get a 3D bodyscan! Participants in the 3D body scanning demo will be able to take away their body scan avatar data on USB memory keys sponsored by Lectra.

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Epitome Custom Jeans from 3D Body Scans Launched
by Benchmark Clothiers on ImageTwin.com

By David Bruner, [TC]²

Do you have trouble finding a great fitting pair of jeans? No more. Last week Benchmark Clothiers launched its Eptiome line of 3D body scan customized jeans. Developed together with [TC]², jeans customization not only includes 3D measurement data from body scanning but also utilizes a sophisticated preference assessment process for tightness, waist placement, jean leg shape and length.

“We think this is by far the best way get a great fitting pair of custom jeans,” states Neil Allen, Benchmark Vice-President. “The issues of body shape combined with personal preferences make jeans shopping very difficult for most people. A person is lucky to find a retail vendor with a product that fits – and online ordering from your own measurements is typically a trial and error process.”

The first Benchmark affiliated 3D bodyscanning site for custom jeans is Bimini Butterfly in Cabot, Arkansas. Bimini Butterfly is owned and operated by Kendra Huffman.

As an ImageTwin scan network product provider, consumers can also get scanned for a pair of Epitome custom jeans at any of the 25 body scanning sites in the ImageTwin worldwide network. To find the nearest scanning site visit www.imagetwin.com.

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Stitches Review

By Gloria McConnell, [TC]²

With a global economy, it is important to have a universal standard for communicating construction requirements. Seams and Stitches classifications began as a government response to the need for procurement starting in 1926. The final government standard Federal Standard 751a, 1965, filled the requirements for many years and can still be downloaded free as a pdf file. Today the stitch classification system can be found in ISO 4915. The ISO defines and illustrates the requirements for each stitch type. This article is an overview of the system. 

Many times one word can have multiple meanings even in the same language. To understand the system we need to understand the terminology associated with it.  A “stitch” is defined as a formation of thread for the purpose of making a seam or stitching. There are 8 classes of stitches recognized in the ISO standard.

Stitch classes
The 100’s class includes one thread chain stitches. Each loop of thread is interlaced with the next loop and is easily raveled out. Examples of how this stitch class is used in apparel include chain stitch button sewing, chain stitch button holes and single thread blind stitch applications. The top and bottom sides have different appearances with the straight stitch above and the loops below. A spreader is used to manipulate the needle thread.

The 200’s class originally only included hand stitching, but some can now be formed by machines. The single thread passes from one side of the fabric to the other.  This is typically accomplished with a shuttle type needle with the eye in the middle. The pick stitch or saddle stitch, used to outline the lapels of jackets, can be placed in this stitch classification. A pick stitch is one in which the exposed thread length on the fabric face is no longer than the thread width. Longer exposed thread lengths are saddle stitches. In back stitches, stitch type 202 adjacent stitches share the same needle hole.

The 300’s class includes the lockstitch where two threads, typically a needle and bobbin thread, interlock. Both sides have the same appearance with the interlacing point in the middle of the fabric. The lockstitch will not ravel and cannot be picked out without destroying one or both of the threads. The 301 lockstitch, with one needle thread and one bobbin thread, is commonly referred to as a plain stitch.  Examples include joining or topstitching wovens, setting pockets and hemming. Because the stitch is not very elastic, if used on knits, when the fabric stretches, the stitches will pop. The bobbin thread has to be replenished more often than the spools of thread used on chain stitches which requires more allowances built into the time standard. The needle thread passes through the eye many times before being laid in the fabric so the thread must have good ply integrity. A core or spun thread is usually specified, never a texturized thread.

The 400’s class includes multi-thread chain stitches. All stitches in this class are interconnected on the underside by thread from a single looper thread. The two sides have different appearances. The face side appears similar to the plain stitch, but loops are visible on the underside. The 401 chain stitch, formed by one needle thread and one looper thread, is commonly used on top center plackets in dress shirts and the inseams and rise seams of pants. The 406 cover stitch, formed by two needle threads and one looper thread, protects a previous seam from abrasion. The 400 stitches are elastic and will ravel from the trailing end. These stitches historically cannot be sewn in reverse.  Through the years various methods have been employed to lock the stitches in: tack separately, condense ending stitches, and malform overlapping hem stitches. Newer technology allows the ending stitches to be formed in the opposite direction by an auxiliary looper.

The 500’s class includes variations of a chain stitch where at least one group of threads pass over the edge. A clean seam is produced with a built in edge cutting device. Common applications include over locking a single ply to prevent it from fraying and joining woven or knit fabrics. Often the stitches in this class can be confusing because a variety of generic terms have been used, including serge, merrow, overcast, and overlock. The 504 stitch is formed by one needle thread and two looper threads and is commonly used for joining knits or wovens.

The 600’s class includes top and bottom cover stitches. The stitches are formed by at least three thread systems – needles, upper and lower cover threads. The 606 also has an independent looper. Cover threads lie on the top surface, held in place by needle threads, interlaced on the back of the seam by looper threads with the two covers over raw edges. Common applications include joining underwear, dancewear and swimwear.

The 700’s class is for a specialized lock stitch using a single thread. The formation of a lockstitch requires that the needle thread loop be wrapped around a second thread loop, which is a bobbin in the 300’s class. In this class there is a single thread system with a continuous needle thread.  An under spool is automatically filled from the needle thread supply before starting each stitching sequence.  The needle thread interlaces with the bottom thread that has been wrapped around a reel.  This is a less common stitch classification applicable only to short length seams or stitching. The first stitch has no loose ends and has been used in tacking and shank button sewing.

The 800’s class includes safety stitches. They were originally part of the 500’s classification in Federal Standard 751a. These stitches are similar to an over edge stitch but with additional chain stitch a few millimeters from the edge.  The additional chain stitch in a true safety stitch is produced at the same time but is independent of the over edge thread systems. The additional chain stitch in a mock safety stitch is interdependent.  A single machine simultaneously sews two or more rows of stitches of different classes. The 802 is a 5 thread safety stitch which is a combination of a 401 and a 504 stitch formation.  In the Federal standard 751a it was referred to as a 516.

Other terminology includes the word “stitch” but is not a special class of stitches. For example: a blind stitch applies to a stitch that is not visible on one side of the fabric being sewn.  It can be made with different stitch classifications from the 100’s, 300’s, 400’s and even 500’s class. Zig zag stitches can be formed in the 300 and 400 classes. Covering stitches can be made by 400 and 600 class stitches, although only the 600 class is classified as such.

Each type of stitch has a unique footprint, made with one revolution of the machine. This footprint can be diagnosed by a trained mechanic to troubleshoot machine problems. Customer specifications should provide the required stitches per inch, thread size and type and tolerances so there is no ambiguity in how to produce a garment. It is recommended that apparel buyers and manufacturers use seam sketches with dimensional notations as a means of specifying their seam and stitch requirements in addition to using the classification system.

Gloria has over twenty six years of project and plant engineering experience and has assisted many companies with establishing engineering standards.

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[TC]² Activity
[TC]² Annual Meeting of Members
and the Board of Directors
April 13, 2010

By Karen Davis, [TC]²

Mike Fralix welcomed 47 Board members and guests to the Annual Meeting of Members and the Board of Directors. First-time guests Jay Craft of VF Corporation; Diana McHenry of SAS Global Retail Practice; Rob Manning of InkJet Textile Printing; Virginia Meckley of Victoria’s Secret; Chuck Millsaps, Great Outdoor Provision Company; Susan Sisk; Dave Stephan, Dr. David Gilbert and Dr. Stephen Wohlgemuth of Novaptus; David Spears, Jennifer Royall and Corny Dansby of Geni-Sys Global; and Paul Tyson of Lectra were recognized.

Peter Butenhoff included his welcome, and the minutes of the last meeting were approved as submitted. The nominations for new board members were discussed including Keith Burchett of JCPenney added to the Executive Committee; Jerry Cook of Hanesbrands; John Crisco of Asheboro Elastics; Doug Farmer of Invista, Terri Fisher of Soma Intimates and Virginia Meckley of Victoria’s Secret were nominated for a Board member position. Chuck Nesbit will become Chairman of [TC]² and Peter Butenhoff will move to Vice Chairman.

Mike Fralix reviewed the [TC]² year-to-date budget and discussed our investment portfolio and federal grant funding for 2010. The budget was accepted and approved by the Board.

Dr. David Bruner provided an update on [TC]²’s research activities.  We have narrowed our focus to 3D technologies, virtual fashion, avatar engine, visual 3D grading, and scan from photo. We are generating high fidelity avatars online for garment try-on. We have licensed an application, V-Dresser, which is based on photos. It takes 1/5 the time of CAD systems. Other accomplishments are a reduced scan time by 30%; faster creation of avatars by 50%; reduced the scan booth construction costs; and improved lighting to enable manual landmarking. 

Will Duncan discussed the status of [TC]²’s Industry Services such as lean manufacturing implementations, manufacturing assessments, product development, business process alignment, and industrial engineering.  The current status of the Haitian Apparel Center was reviewed. Before the January 12th earthquake, we had trained 13 operator trainers, and began five classes of sewing trainees, plus graduated and placed two classes of operators.  Following the earthquake, companies were encouraged to put 1% of their manufacturing business in Haiti, and within 10 days, Haiti was back in production at 70% capacity. 

Fred Jackson of American & Efird discussed his company’s plan in going global. They followed their customers and created new customers internationally by using strong local brands through partnerships. He discussed A&E’s company history and markets served. 

Kevin Burke of AAFA provided a Washington overview. The free trade agenda is not moving forward, and there is no agreement yet for Colombia.  Without free trade, businesses face economic difficulties. 

Auggie Tantillo of SRG Associates talked about congressional delays to fund the federal budget. Congress has the right to designate funding, and in the apparel industry, grant funding is needed to help us be competitive. [TC]² has good support in Washington led by Congressman  David Price. 

Chuck Millsaps discussed his organization, Great Outdoor Provision Company. It has seven locations that carry a mixture of brands of outdoor apparel and equipment like North Face, Marmot, Patagonia, Chaco, Mountain Hardware and others. The Number 1 seller is an $85-100 footwear product called Five Fingers, which is like a glove for the feet. Great Outdoor Provision has reduced the manufacturing footprint on
t-shirts to 600-700 miles.  It is a retail business, with no e-commerce.

Dave Gardner of SPESA discussed its collaboration with [TC]² on preparation for the SPESA Expo 2010 in Atlanta May 18-20. Dave outlined the events including a pre-show workshop on lean business practices, and an executive conference called “Building the Supply Chain of the Future”, followed by the headliner breakfast Tuesday morning. The Expo begins with an opening gala at the Georgia Aquarium on Monday May 17th. Tickets are $150. 

Susan Nichols of Apparel Magazine introduced Diana McHenry of SAS, a Cary, NC company.  SAS focuses on long term and integrity in its employees.  The company has been profitable for all 34 years of its existence, and has 11,000 employees worldwide. Fortune magazine rated SAS the Number 1 company to work for. Some of its products include size optimization to help companies determine store allocations of sizes by location, to configure packs the way they are needed, and price optimization including initial price, promotional and markdown prices, and forecasting software.

GeniSys Global – Jennifer Royall and Corny Dansby explained the company’s network to connect data, voice and visual of up to ten people using one device for conferencing.  The networking reduces travel costs and increases efficiencies.  Voice mails, emails, instant messages all come in one box. There is a secure data center and no need for a server on-site. 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned, with lunch following.

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Sponsor Profile - Lawson

By Karen Davis, [TC]²

Lawson is a global provider of software and services. The software is industry-specific business applications for apparel, footwear, textiles and accessories companies. Lawson has over 15 years of experience working in this industry and has over 350 fashion companies worldwide. It provides Product Lifecycle Management to support product design and Enterprise Resource Planning to handle sourcing and distribution.  It also has manufacturing and retail assortment and replenishment planning solutions. The Lawson for Fashion solution was designed for companies with complex, global supply chains who need to synchronize supply and demand in real time from concept to consumer.  It can support multi-language, multi-site, multi-currency operations and manage a mix of style and non-style products. 

On February 18, 2010, Lawson introduced Lawson for Fashion. With Lawson for Fashion, Lawson is redefining enterprise applications for the fashion industry, giving fashion companies tools they need to improve profits, fight back against chargebacks and improve their time-to-market.

Lawson for Fashion is about more than software, it’s the new Lawson brand encompassing their whole offering to fashion companies. Lawson for Fashion covers the new M3 10.1 Enterprise Management system together with industry-specific applications, such as Fashion PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and Assortment Replenishment Planner. It also includes the new Business Intelligence offering ‘Analytics for Fashion’, which helps to measure performance and make better decisions. Lawson QuickStep for Fashion offers good practice processes that are pre-configured for rapid and lower risk implementations.

Lawson’s value services offerings are also available under Lawson for Fashion, including the Lawson Value Management process to help identify and quantify business improvement opportunities.

Companies can benefit from increased efficiency and better product and inventory management through an interface between Fashion PLM and the core Lawson M3 10.1 Business Engine. This latest release handles pre-packs, packing instructions, ship through information and package management in a supply chain. It also offers an enhanced Point-of-Sale interface, support for physical inventory in retail stores and an option to add the Assortment Replenishment Planner for pushing inventory to and replenishing retail stores.

Lawson for Fashion supports fashion industry requirements, providing more control over margins, product and relationships throughout the supply chain. It provides tools to help improve efficiency and the ability to combat chargebacks. Users will have easier access to information for better decision-making. First, by utilizing the latest version of the Lawson Smart Office user interface, and secondly by using the new Lawson Analytics for Fashion package which delivers industry-specific scorecards and KPIs.

For more details on how Lawson for Fashion can help enable an organization to become more agile and speed product time-to-market, visit Lawson in booth # 6049 of the IT Showcase at SPESA Expo 2010. A seminar about Lawson for Fashion on will be held on Tuesday, May 18, from 2:45 – 3:45 p.m., entitled “How to Improve Profits, Combat Charge Backs and Improve Time-To-Market”.

For more information on Lawson for Fashion go to www.lawson.com/fashion.

[TC]² gratefully acknowledges Lawson’s sponsorship of the Cool Zone at SPESA Expo.

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Cool Zone Demonstration
At SPESA EXPO
May 18-20, 2010 – Georgia World Congress Center

By Karen Davis, [TC]²

SPESA EXPO will feature an all new COOL ZONE v2.0 presented by [TC]². This special exhibit will highlight current and future technologies that support a totally digital fashion and sewn products lifecycle and supply chain. The following is a summary of vendors and exhibits that will be part of the Cool Zone, Booth 5749.

[TC]²
[TC]² demo stations will be networked with two NX-16 3D body scanners to show automatic body measurement and high resolution avatar creation (including face texturing from photo) from the body scan. This output will then be used live in virtual fashion, animation, weight-loss visualization, and other applications on large screen displays. An avatar engine (on the web) will demonstrate similar functionalities using measurement input instead of a body scan.  Virtual Fashion applications will also be shown on Web enabled smart phones. One of the virtual fashion visualizations will be for custom jeans and will show various jean styles on a personal avatar, with links to online providers for ordering custom jeans from 3D body scans. [TC]²’s VDresser solution will be highlighted as a low-cost tool to implement 3D garment content for virtual fashion applications.

SizeUSA
[TC]²’s comprehensive sizing study of the U.S. population provides current measurements on sizing and shapes of today’s adult consumer. The SizeUSA survey includes body measurement data on over 10,000 men and women, ages 18 to 65+. [TC]² will demonstrate the use of SizeUSA data as a resource for analysis of existing size ranges and development of size guidelines for new products and markets. This demonstration will also highlight the analysis of body shape characteristics through the generation and comparison of avatars that represent key body measurements for graded size ranges.

Digital Printing
In the Cool Zone, [TC]² will be creating tote bags which will be printed utilizing pigment based nanocolorant inks, heat set with AIT’s 7300 rotary heat transfer machine, then cut using Gerber’s single-ply DCS 3600 cutting system, and sewn on the show floor using Schmetz needles and A&E thread. 

Advanced Innovative Technologies
Advanced Innovative Technologies and its predecessor companies have been manufacturing flat bed (platen) and rotary drum heat transfer printing machines for conventional sublimation printing for over 30 years. In late 1995, the predecessor company, Astechnologies, sold the first rotary drum printing machine used in commercial digital dye-sublimation fabric printing. Since 2001, AIT has continued the tradition of introducing innovative new heat transfer machinery for digital dye-sublimation and dye fixation of textiles.

AIT is supplying the AIT 7300 Series Rotary Heat Transfer Machine for the digital printing demonstration. The company’s complete line of equipment can be viewed at Booth 5750 in the IT Showcase. 

American & Efird
American & Efird manufactures and distributes premium industrial and embroidery threads on a global basis, and uses only the finest grades of cotton, synthetic staple fibers and filaments for its products. Finished thread is tested repeatedly to assess its strength and sewability. A&E thread and yarn is used for apparel, automotive, upholstered furniture, home furnishings, footwear, bedding and mattresses, and other sewn products.  In addition to thread and yarn, A&E distributes various sewing supplies.

A&E is the thread supplier for the Cool Zone digital printing demonstration. The company will be exhibiting its full product line in Booth 5031.

Carr Textile
Carr Textile carries sixty plus in-stock fabric programs with over 4 million yards of fabric ready for immediate shipment. Popular programs include:  Poly/Cotton Twill and Poplin, 100% Cotton twill in a wide range of weights and finishes, Organic Twill and Duck, Denim, Microfiber, 2 and 4 ply Taslan. Bias and Slitting services are available as well as cap components such as sweatbands, bindings, and visorboards.

Gerber Technology
ContourVision
ContourVision, the latest product in the GERBERvision suite of products, combines advanced vision technology with the DCS3600. The result is a fully automated solution for material processing in the technical textile markets, providing firms with ultimate automation, productivity, and flexibility.

ContourVision is specifically designed for printed textiles and industrial fabrics; using powerful software and a line scanning vision system configured with the DCS3600, the system automatically cuts complex graphics, shapes, and contours straight from a printed roll of material without a pre-developed cut file.

GERBERcutter® DCS3600
The DCS3600 conveyorized GERBERcutter system is the ideal cutter for manufacturers and suppliers in the Apparel, Composites, Technical Textiles, Furniture, Carpeting, and Matting industries. The combination of speed, cut-window flexibility, and cutting-edge vision technology has created the ultimate products for enhanced productivity.

Browzwear V-Stitcher
Allows patternmakers and designers to turn ideas from 2D sketches and patterns into 3D virtual garments.

Gerber Technology will be exhibiting its full line of products in Booth 5621.

Human Solutions NA
iSize combines International Body Data with Online Analysis to Optimize Fit and Size charts for Markets Worldwide.
Sizing systems are often designed with little or no knowledge of the target market's physical characteristics. Even when data is available, it is difficult to use and not comparable with data from other sources. iSize normalizes all data into one easy-to-use database, with statistical tools to optimize sizing charts for maximum capture of virtually any market. Decide whether local sizing systems will payoff, or how to optimize one set to cover all markets based on up-to-date data, not reactive sales records. 

Vidya by Assyst: Rapid Pattern Prototyping with Virtual 3D fitting.
Vidya is the latest tool that allows 2D patterns to be virtually draped on a 3D avatar. Instantly intuit drape and stretch, evaluate seam and color alignment, and try pattern adjustments without a single stitch or pin.

Visit Human Solutions at Booth 6045 in the IT Showcase.

Juki America
Juki America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Juki Corporation of Japan, the world’s leading manufacturer of industrial sewing machines.  Juki sewing machines and genuine Juki parts are supplied through its exclusive network of authorized distributors strategically located throughout the Western Hemisphere. The extensive line of sewing equipment for the apparel industry ranges from lockstitch, overlock and coverstitch machines to computer controlled cycle machines and automated sewing systems. Juki’s heavy duty line of machines supply industries such as automotive, upholstery, marine, industrial fabrics, footwear, leather and home textiles.  Its focus is on high quality sewing results and total customer satisfaction. The Juki line is the most complete in the industry, making the company one source for any sewing need. 

See Juki products at Booth 5125.

Lawson
Lawson is a global provider of software and services. With the Lawson for Fashion solution all of its software components and services together are pulled together into a solution for fashion companies. The company is better able to serve its clients’ needs, whether they are a brand owner, manufacturer or private brand retailer.

Lawson for Fashion connects business processes from product concept through to the customer helping to:

• Gain tighter control of margins, products and supply chain relationships.
• Keep more of the revenue brought in – with tools to help improve efficiency and combat chargebacks.
• Become more agile and speed product time-to-market.

Meet with Lawson staff in Booth 6049 in the IT Showcase.

Lea & Sachs, Inc.
Lea & Sachs, Inc. has been a supplier of webbing, tape, elastic, and cord for over 70 years. Its customers include automotive, military, safety, medical, sporting goods, and apparel manufacturers, and almost anybody with a sewing machine. Visit www.leasachs.com or call
847-296-8000 and get a live voice on the phone.

Lectra
Lectra will showcase its integrated technology solutions that automate, streamline and accelerate product design, development and manufacturing processes for industries using soft materials.

See Lectra’s products and services at Booth 5339.

Optitex
OptiTex develops innovative, user-friendly 2D and 3D CAD solutions for all cut-fabric and fashion-related industries. OptiTex's solutions are designed to facilitate collaboration among partners throughout the manufacturing process. The company is also active in e-commerce, providing online sales tools to promote branding and customer loyalty.

OptiTex’s latest application, OptiTex 3D Virtual Clothing, allows retailers and online shopping sites to model their fashion online with a full 3D catalog that allows to visualize the full garment collection on a 3D model. The try it on demo was created for customers to visualize what they can do with their own clothing lines.

OptiTex’s 3D Runway Designer 10 has new customizable features and options, allowing designers the freedom to change textures, materials, colors and stitches or add logos on screen without using a single piece of fabric. The garment can then be seen “in action” on OptiTex's dynamic 3D models, all of which are fully adjustable to reflect any body-type. 3D Runway Designer software promotes international collaboration in the fashion world by providing a program in diverse languages.

Visit Booth 5744 in the IT Showcase to obtain more information on products by OptiTex.

PAD System
PAD System will demonstrate apparel production tools for:

• Improved productivity to pattern creation and grading process
• Mass customization made easy with powerful interactivity. Pieces in all sizes can be modified by entering new measurement specifications.
• Pattern customization made possible for any given client by specifying personal measurements.
• Unique Plan View feature offering an intuitive user interface
• Compatible with a wide range of Hardware Equipment, Plotters, Digitizers & Robotized Cutters via standard formats.

See solutions by PAD System at Booth 5754 in the IT Showcase.

Ferd. Schmetz GmbH
Schmetz is supplying sewing needles for the Cool Zone digital printing demonstration. Utilizing its almost two centuries of experience, working relationships with research institutions around the world, and the latest measuring instruments, Ferd. Schmetz GmbH strives to offer every customer the best needle with the best service on the most economical terms. Its Application Team assists in identifying the best needle product to meet specifications, and will develop custom-made products or modify existing needles to meet requirements.

Visit Booth 5639 to view the complete line of Schmetz needles.

TradeCard and Avery Dennison
TradeCard and Avery Dennison Present Factory Floor Automation: Visibility and Collaboration at a new Level. See first-hand how to help factories be in compliance with complex packing rules, enable fast change acceptance to direct shipment and cross docking programs and allow for more frequent and late purchase order amendments through:

• A centralized packing, labeling and shipment building platform
• Full integration to Avery Dennison's service bureaus or In-Plant Printing technologies in the process
• Adjust to immediate shipment changes on the packing floor using the Factory Xpress / ICE 3.0 solution with portable printing

Visit Avery Dennison at Booth 6039 and TradeCard at Booth 6148 during SPESA Expo 2010.

Tukatech
Tukatech will be presenting the complete process of virtually “trying on” a garment with a digital version of a subject’s body. The avatar generated by taking a [TC]²  scan will be brought into e-fit Simulator and a garment will be draped with motion. Then, the completed garment and the avatar will be displayed in a web browser using Tukatech’s 3D viewer.

Tukatech will exhibit its products and services in Booth 5661 in the IT Showcase.

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SPESA EXPO Offers Over 30 Seminars and Workshops
May 18-20, 2010 – Georgia World Congress Center

SPESA EXPO 2010 will offer fashion and sewn products executives and professionals more than 30 informative and thought-provoking workshops and seminars. [TC]² has coordinated the programs to address the most pressing issues faced by vertical retailers, brand manufacturers, supply chain vendors, and other partners in the concept-to-delivery business process. Seminar tracks include design, product development, global sourcing, manufacturing, supply chain management, distribution, and more.

Headlining the SPESA EXPO Forum will be a special pre-show (Monday, May 17) workshop on “Exploring Lean Business Practices” and an executive conference on “Building the Supply Chain of the Future.” A headliner breakfast on the opening day of the show (Tuesday, May 18) will focus on “Global Sourcing Perspectives.” Seminars running concurrent to exhibition hours on May 18-19 include:  

• Design: 2D/3D design, virtual fit, color and trend forecasting.
• Product Development: PLM, fit and color management, materials development, CAD/CAM, and lean product development, and costing.
• Global Sourcing and Supply Chain Management
• Manufacturing: Advanced technologies, cutting room management, preventative maintenance, capacity planning, alternative manufacturing   systems, and lean manufacturing.
• Distribution: RFID, trade agreements, 10+2 and CPSIA compliance.
• Sustainability, Labor and Environmental Compliance, and Green Fashion

Complete seminar listings and registration is available online at http://www.spesaexpo.com.

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Important Dates

May

June

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.

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A Look Ahead in the Newsletter


2010 APSS in Guatemala
SPESA Expo Review

View previous editions of this newsletter

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[TC]²
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