Weekly Technology Communicator |
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A two-day event was held in Washington, D.C. beginning on Wednesday, September 8th for the American Apparel and Footwear Association’s (AAFA) Board of Director’s meeting of which [TC]² President Mike Fralix is a member. Pete Butenhoff, CEO of [TC]², was also present as a guest. A special “behind-the-scenes” private guided tour organized by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society provided a rare firsthand glimpse of the Capitol.
The next day, Congressman Roy Blunt (R-7th-MO) briefed attendees on the Congressional agenda and presented his perspective of the upcoming Presidential election.
Congressman John Tanner (D-8th-TN) discussed national issues including his concern for the rising national debt.
The AAFA Board of Directors were very honored and pleased to host the U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and these additional Members of Congress: Representatives Marion Berry (D-1st-AR), Roy Blunt (R-7th-MO), John Boehner (R-8th-OH), Howard Coble (R-6th-NC), Sue Myrick (R-9th-NC), Jim DeMint (R-4th-SC), John Tanner (D-8th-TN) and Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Trent Lott (R-MS).
AAFA President and CEO, Kevin Burke remarked: “This event was an excellent way for the AAFA Board members to see and hear from key members of Congress on the issues affecting our industry and our country.”
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[TC]² Activity
3D Body Scanning
To be competitive in today’s market place, manufacturers and retailers need to offer their customers something unique. Two keys to customer satisfaction and loyalty are fit and styling.
[TC]²’s 3D body measurement system offers apparel customization with its safe, white-light based scanner comprised of non-moving scan heads and its Body Measurement System (BMS) software. [TC]²’s newest technology, the NX-12, has a smaller footprint, improved body model coverage and is lower in cost. The system captures data points of an individual’s image and automatically extracts hundreds of user-defined, consistent, accurate measurements. The scanning process and measurement extraction takes less than a minute to complete. The captured information can be used to determine the best fit in ready-to-wear sizes or can be the basis for made-to-measure apparel. The technology is designed to provide manufacturers and retailers a definitive solution to accurate apparel sizing for online, catalog, and store shopping. This same technology can be extended into the health and fitness industries that rely on precise body measurement.
[TC]² performed a national sizing survey, SizeUSA, of 10,000 people using its 3D body scanner. Several sponsoring companies are updating their sizing scales based on the survey findings, and [TC]² is performing proprietary analysis for purchasers of the survey data. The data is revealing new information on body shapes and ethnic differences.
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Member Profile
Lori Coulter, LLC - New [TC]² Member
Lori Coulter developed an interest in body scanning while in college, studying how scanning could be used to enable mass customization of apparel.
After researching other product lines, Lori chose swimsuit customization because customers are not as brand loyal as in other apparel categories, and swimwear is produced in smaller production runs. Fit issues with swimsuits were brought into focus by Lori's mother, as she expressed frustration in finding a suitable garment.
The advancement in scanner technology at [TC]² has made mass customization more affordable and accessible. Lori Coulter is working with BenchMark Clothiers ( www.benchmarkretailer.com ) to use [TC]² scanning technology for her revolutionary, made-to-order line of swimwear.
The 3D body scanner captures thousands of data points on the human body in less than 10 seconds and produces a true-to-scale 3D body model in less than a minute that is more accurate and consistent than measurements taken even by a trained professional.
Individuals will complete a personal profile and be scanned for a small fee, which can be applied toward a purchase. A style consultant will be present to guide the customer during the process.
The results from the scan will then be used in combination with the information learned through the personal profile to produce individual customer recommendations.
A combination of heuristics, conjoint analysis, neural networks, and mathematical programming will be used to suggest silhouettes, colors, and to aid in swimsuit selection. Five to ten styles will be displayed at a time via an online catalog until the customer chooses the desired silhouette.
The customer may alter the color, fabric, trim and other style and coverage options until a garment is finalized. Throughout the process, the customer will be able to view her own likeness wearing any garment or accessory.
Lori comments, “Our message is about customizing the fit and fashion for the specific customer. We believe that fashion is mandated by the individual and that true style is personal. We encourage women to be true to their own taste and true to their body.”
You are invited to visit www.loricoulter.com for more company information and to review her colorful catalog.
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Important Dates
For detailed information about industry events, visit www.techexchange.com
Thanks to the techexchange site sponsors Blinco Systems Inc., Gerber Technology and Methods Workshop.
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A Look Ahead
 AATCC/ATME International Conference Greenville, South Carolina
September 13 –16
September 13 –17
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View previous editions of this newsletter
[TC]²
211 Gregson Drive
Cary , NC 27511
www.tc2.com
Phone: 919-380-2156
Fax: 919-380-2181
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