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Rapha Gets on the Fast Track with
Optitex 3D

Posted on by VOV

Renowned cycling clothing manufacturer boosts creativity and productivity with intuitive, easy-to-use 3D digital design tools

FREMONT, Calif., March 30, 2020 – EFI™ Optitex®, Electronics For Imaging’s global provider of integrated end-to-end 2D and 3D CAD/CAM software solutions for the fashion and apparel industry, today announced its agreement with Rapha® Racing Ltd., one of the world’s top cycling clothing manufacturers. Through the agreement, Rapha purchased EFI Optitex 3D solutions to enhance its design and production workflow.

Founded in 2004, London-based Rapha’s cycling clothing collections are globally recognized for redefining comfort, performance, and style for cyclists from beginners to WorldTour professionals. Rapha’s mission is to make cycling the most popular sport in the world. The company organizes and sponsors rides and events both within its global 15,000-strong members base known as the Rapha Cycling Club, and for the general public. Rapha has been working with the world’s best athletes for many years and currently partners with the women’s UCI WorldTour team, CANYON//SRAM and the men’s WorldTour team EF Education First® Pro Cycling.

Rapha Gets on the Fast Track with EFI Optitex 3D

With Rapha’s commitment to excellence, accelerating design processes and implementing advanced digital solutions, adding EFI Optitex 3D was the next logical step in ensuring the delivery of high-quality products, on time and on budget.

EFI Optitex partnered with Rapha to boost the clothing manufacturer’s overall efficiency, enabling Rapha to gain a real competitive edge in the industry. The company first implemented EFI Optitex 2D solutions, and more recently augmented the software with EFI Optitex 3D solutions to integrate 3D digital design and prototyping into Rapha’s workflows. Rapha is currently participating in training and onboarding to implement EFI Optitex 3D Pattern Design Software (PDS) with photorealistic renderings and the 3D Design Illustrator (3DDI) plugin.

Rapha Gets on the Fast Track with EFI Optitex 3D

Today, Rapha is primed and ready to grow and embrace the power of an integrated 2D-3D workflow. With EFI Optitex 3D, Rapha will benefit from significant savings in sample production time and make quick adoption decisions. The company will be able to showcase true-to-life virtual samples within hours and work with a single digital asset, eliminating manual steps in the design-development process.

“We chose Optitex 2D as our pattern cutting solution because of its intuitive, easy-to-use tools and functionalities, and its insight into implementing EFI Optitex 3D down the road, to serve as a single solution in helping us to reduce samples through fit assessment early in the process,” said Rapha Head of Atelier Claudine Rousseau. “What’s more, investing in 3DDI will greatly help our graphics team to visualize graphic applications, and facilitate a more experimental approach. It will also minimize errors in communication with our vendors, saving time and costs.”

Rousseau added, “We are keen to work with EFI Optitex as a long-term partner to take innovative digital solutions forward, as we strive to maintain our reputation as a leading cyclewear brand.”

EFI Optitex General Manager Amir Lehr commented, “As an amateur cyclist and an avid customer of Rapha, I’ve learned to appreciate the functional fit, care for details and meticulous design Rapha provides. We share the objective of accelerating concept-to-delivery and customization while maintaining strict quality control enabled by digitizing the workflow, today, and well into the future.”

About Rapha

Rapha was established in 2004 to address a need for stylish, high performance cycling clothing. It now provides products for every cyclist and continues to push the boundaries of innovation in cycle wear. Alongside this, Rapha has cultivated a global community of passionate riders who come together as members of the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC), the largest club of its kind in the world. Rapha’s retail model and unique brand values come to life in its many rides and events and global network of Clubhouses that combine retail, cafes and cycling culture all under the same roof. For more information, visit www.rapha.cc/rd/en.

Rapha Gets on the Fast Track with EFI Optitex 3D

About EFI Optitex

EFI Optitex is a global software provider of integrated 2D-3D computer-aided design (CAD) solutions for fashion & apparel, automotive, upholstery and industrial fabrics. Our solutions digitally streamline design, development and production throughout the supply chain, enabling efficient workflows and quick response to market demands. EFI Optitex offer brands, retailers and manufacturers a one-vendor solution for delivering high-quality products on demand and on budget. Backed by over three decades of experience and a growing base of 30,000 users, our innovative solutions are highly accurate, sustainable and cost-effective. To learn more about EFI Optitex, visit www.optitex.com.

Rapha Gets on the Fast Track with EFI Optitex 3D

Fashion Enter Closes UK’s Skills Gap with Optitex 3D

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Leading fashion and textile industry training center
offers UK professionals hands-on experience with 3D digital design tools

FREMONT, Calif., February 26, 2020 – EFI™ Optitex®, Electronics For Imaging’s global provider of integrated end-to-end 2D & 3D CAD/CAM software solutions for the fashion and apparel industry, today announced its partnership with Fashion Enter Ltd., a UK training and technical skills development center for the fashion and textile industry, who implemented EFI Optitex 3D solutions into their course curriculum. 

FASHION ENTER CLOSES UK’S SKILLS GAP WITH EFI OPTITEX 3D

Established in 2006, London-based Fashion Enter Ltd. (FEL), is a veritable “all-in-one” technology hub for the fashion and textile industry, offering multiple training and technical skills development services, encompassing the entire design to production cycle. A not for profit, social enterprise, FEL also provides apprenticeships and adult learning at the ESFA and SEG approved technical centre supported by Haringey Council, Mayor’s Good Growth Fund and Asos.

FASHION ENTER CLOSES UK’S SKILLS GAP WITH EFI OPTITEX 3D

To help lay the foundation for the UK’s fashion and textile industry on its imminent journey towards digital transformation, FEL was determined to close the mounting skills gap in both industry and academia and offer UK professionals hands-on experience and exposure to 3D digital design tools. With a keen understanding of the market’s growing need for speed, flexibility and shifting demands, in September 2019, FEL selected EFI Optitex as their 3D technology partner. FEL sought after advanced 3D solutions that would enable them to implement innovative digital design courses, apprenticeships and bespoke training, including collaboration with leading fashion retailers, such as Marks & Spencer, ASOS, Next, and many others. 

FASHION ENTER CLOSES UK’S SKILLS GAP WITH EFI OPTITEX 3D

After a short but highly intensive training period FEL implemented EFI Optitex 3D into their design and production processes, including pattern design and 3D tools for design and fitting. Since its implementation only six months ago, FEL have already reaped the benefits of EFI Optitex 3D fully-digital design, from sampling and grading, through to production. During its preliminary implementation phase, EFI Optitex 3D will enable FEL to deliver a wide range of accredited 3D design courses and forge collaborations with new customers, a result of EFI Optitex 3D’s intuitive design tools, ease of use, and time and resource savings.

FASHION ENTER CLOSES UK’S SKILLS GAP WITH EFI OPTITEX 3D

“Fashion Enter strives to be a center of excellence in both quality garment manufacturing and skills training,” said FEL Founder and 35-year UK fashion industry expert, Jenny Holloway. “EFI Optitex has given us a strong and reliable 3D toolset, not only to maintain, but to strengthen our position as a leading UK training and technical skills provider.” Holloway added, “We welcome a long and mutually beneficial relationship with EFI Optitex, as we forge ahead to help bridge the digital divide in the UK’s fashion and textile industry.”

Amir Lehr, EFI Optitex General Manager, commented, “We are proud to support Fashion Enter’s objective to diminish the skills gap in our industry, and to help them consistently inspire the future of UK fashion. As an end-to-end 2D-3D technology partner, we strive to deliver quality solutions that enable our customers to embrace digital transformation. Today, with EFI Optitex, digitization is fast becoming the focal point of FEL’s training and technical skills development offering.”

About Fashion Enter Ltd.

Established in 2006, London-based Fashion Enter Ltd. (FEL) specialize in training and technical skills development for the fashion and textiles industry, in addition to providing apprenticeships and adult learning via subcontracting agreements with local academic institutions. A not for profit, social enterprise, FEL strives to be a center of excellence for sampling, grading, and production, offering an inspiring training environment where apprentices gain hands-on experience and exposure to all aspects of the design to production cycle, and where FEL graduates earn accredited quality qualifications and apprenticeships. The Fashion Technology Academy is the training academy of FEL in collaboration with Haringey Council, Mayor’s Good Growth Fund and ASOS. For more information, visit www.fashion-enter.com.

FASHION ENTER CLOSES UK’S SKILLS GAP WITH EFI OPTITEX 3D

About EFI Optitex

EFI Optitex is a global software provider of integrated 2D-3D computer-aided design (CAD) solutions for fashion & apparel, automotive, upholstery and industrial fabrics. We digitally streamline design, development and production throughout the supply chain, enabling efficient workflows and quick response to market demands. Informed by over three decades of experience and a growing base of 30,000 users, our innovative solutions are highly accurate, sustainable and cost-effective. We offer brands, retailers and manufacturers a one-vendor solution for delivering high-quality products on demand and on budget. To learn more about EFI Optitex, visit www.optitex.com.


Macron and Optitex: A Winning Partnership

Posted on by VOV

Digitising the design process boosts operational efficiency
and time savings in garment pattern creation

Fremont, California – XX January 2020 – EFI™ Optitex®, Electronics For Imaging’s global provider of integrated 2D & 3D CAD/CAM software solutions for the fashion and apparel industry, is pleased to share the results of its successful 2D CAD implementation with Macron®, a leading global sportswear manufacturer.

With headquarters in Bologna, Italy and sales throughout Europe and around the globe, Macron has four dedicated business units: Teamwear, Merchandising, Running & Fitness, and Athleisure, and over 150 monobrand retail locations, all backed by the company’s unique concept of product customization.  

In an effort to help facilitate its global expansion and deliver on-demand, on-time and on-budget products, Macron replaced its legacy CAD system with EFI Optitex 2D CAD pattern design and nesting solutions in 2018. After a short training period, Macron’s CAD team implemented EFI Optitex into its design and production process, enabling the company to expand its pattern design capabilities while also adding a new design facility in Tianjin, China.

For the last two years, Macron has enjoyed the benefits of EFI Optitex 2D CAD and fully digital design, noting significant enhancements in the company’s design and production workflow, increased speed and ease of use, and time and resource savings. Macron also reports improved communication with designers, improved data sharing with global production partners, and seamless integration with various design software and other CAD/production solutions used by third-party vendors.

“Since implementing EFI Optitex 2D CAD, we have improved our operational efficiency across the board,” said Paolo Guizzardi, Macron’s COO. “We look forward to a long-term relationship with EFI Optitex, with plans to further explore the company’s innovative solutions to meet athletes’ needs and accelerate our development process worldwide.”

EFI Optitex General Manager Amir Lehr commented, “We are proud to support Macron with strong digital solutions to deliver high-quality products and guarantee their continued growth. At EFI Optitex, enabling our customers to gain a competitive edge via digital transformation is key. The team at Macron has proven that this can be done.” 

About Macron

Founded in Bologna, Italy in 1971, Macron is a leading global sportswear manufacturer with sales throughout Europe and around the world. The company has four dedicated business units: Teamwear – sportswear and accessories for team sports, including football, rugby, basketball, volleyball, baseball, handball, futsal, and running; Merchandising – official kits, free-time products and accessories for Macron-sponsored clubs; Running & Fitness – tech apparel for individual runners and for training sessions in the gym; and Athleisure – leisure sports-inspired apparel. With over 150 monobrand retail locations, Macron attributes its success to interpreting the needs of professional athletes and sports enthusiasts, leading to the design and development of high-quality products. For more information, visit www.macron.com.

About EFI Optitex

EFI Optitex is a global software provider of integrated 2D-3D computer-aided design (CAD) solutions for fashion & apparel, automotive, upholstery and industrial fabrics. We digitally streamline design, development and production throughout the supply chain, enabling efficient workflows and quick response to market demands. Informed by over three decades of experience and a growing base of 30,000 users, our innovative solutions are highly accurate, sustainable and cost-effective. We offer brands, retailers and manufacturers a one-vendor solution for delivering high-quality products on demand and on budget. To learn more about EFI Optitex, visit www.optitex.com.


New Optitex eLearning Platform Offers an On-Demand, Unique Training Platform and Added Value Content

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FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 28, 2019 – EFI™ Optitex® continues its commitment to providing added value to its customers with the new EFI Optitex eLearning Platform, powered by Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (Nadaq:EFII).

This unique, on-demand training platform features how-to guides, videos and podcasts, as well as full eLearning courses that can be purchased individually or as part of a complete EFI Optitex training package. Users can progress through courses in an eLearning environment that provides job-specific training for patternmakers, marker makers, technical designers, 3D designers and more across 10 different Optitex technologies.

Customers are already successfully using the platform and are receiving significant value for money. The eLearning platform’s $300 annual subscription fee makes it a cost-effective, high-value solution for EFI Optitex software users across the globe.

Moreover, major players in the textile industry including apparel brands, design houses, suppliers and retailers, can improve the on-boarding process for staff, thanks to the eLearning site’s easy-to-use, detailed training platform. The new eLearning offering has far greater importance than educating current industry professionals, it is also shaping the next generation of professionals.    

“The eLearning courses are terrific,” said Margaret McWilliams, R&D at Margaret McWilliams Studio, a design business in Frederick, Maryland, that develops workflow solutions to bring tailoring back into the mainstream using accurate 3D prototyping based on 2D patterns. “EFI Optitex’s unique workflow and the courses’ on-demand availability make it worthwhile to go through all of the them. Unexpectedly useful capabilities that improve the patterns coming out of my workflow have emerged thanks to the detailed explanations eLearning has to offer.

“I see this essential tool as a turning point in my work,” she added. “Through the online courses offered on the eLearning platform I was able to manipulate the abilities of the Optitex software with very good results, which affects my entire workflow.”

The eLearning platform also provides Optitex certifications upon completion of critical stages of the training program. As a result, it not only empowers knowledge among industry professionals, it also confirms that individuals have indeed mastered the innovative tools that shape the textile industry.   

Education to facilitate the apparel industry’s CAD transformation

This newly launched eLearning content reflects EFI Optitex’s longstanding commitment to maximize value for users with coaching, training, advising and consulting. EFI Optitex products – along with the training provided – give businesses the significant advantage of being able to perfect their garments before cutting or sewing the first piece of fabric for faster cycles and products that better fit consumer needs.

Always glancing at the future, EFI Optitex will actively continue to empower knowledge and assist industry professionals in gaining new and critical skills that will contribute to the optimization of the supply chain in the most cost-effective way possible.

A brief video overview of the EFI Optitex eLearning offering is available at https://learn.optitex.com/index/.


Optitex Empowers Canada’s Next Generation of Professionals with Software Donation to Wilson School of Design

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FREMONT, Calif., Feb. 04, 2019 – Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (Nasdaq:EFII) has donated a number of Optitex® 2D/3D design software licenses for students and faculty members at the Kwantlen Polytechnic Institute’s Wilson School of Design in Richmond, British Columbia, as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to empower knowledge and help provide critical skills for the next generation work force in the fashion and apparel industry.

EFI Optitex is one of the world’s leading integrated 2D and 3D CAD/CAM apparel platform technologies. It allows users to visualize and perfect garments before cutting or sewing the first piece of fabric, offering rapid prototyping for faster time to market. The donation of this modern, intuitive software gives students the necessary skills to enter the textiles and apparel industry, and to become change ambassadors for the industry as it continues towards the digital transformation journey. Students and faculty will also have access to the Optitex eLearning site, which features user-friendly training materials, videos and webinar recordings that provide job-specific training for patternmakers, marker makers, technical designers, 3D designers and more across 10 different Optitex technologies.

“EFI Optitex is proud to work with educational institutions such as the Wilson School of Design to promote knowledge and empower industry professionals,” said EFI Optitex General Manager Amir Lehr. “Moreover, as fashion design goes increasingly digital, access to EFI Optitex software solutions, will provide students with the requisite skills to hit the ground running as they start their new careers in fashion. We are pleased to be able to provide this advanced capability to this prestigious institute, and to help ensure the right skill set for the next-generation workforce.”

The Wilson School of Design offers a wide range of programs in fashion design and marketing as well as continuing education programs for fashion professionals. Its faculty is an eclectic group of individuals who are passionate about inspiring and guiding future designers and come from a wide range of industry segments.

“We are grateful to EFI Optitex for partnering with us and providing this generous donation,” said Wilson School of Design Associate Dean Andhra Goundrey. “We are dedicated to providing our students with access to the latest tools and technology they will encounter once they graduate. This donation is an important addition to our curriculum and our ability to deliver against our educational goals.”

A brief video overview of the EFI Optitex eLearning offering is available at https://learn.optitex.com/index/.

New Optitex Release Keeps Users Ahead of Demand with its Powerful Automation Tools and Revolutionary Print & Cut Solution

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Software premiering at Texprocess gives apparel manufacturers the power to produce small mixed orders on a single roll, better address market trends and offer increased sustainability in fashion design and development

FREMONT, Calif., May 13, 2019 – Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (Nasdaq:EFII) has released the newest version of the EFI™ Optitex® 2D/3D CAD platform, creating a more powerful end-to-end digital solution. The new software version delivers key enhancements to Optitex’s industry-leading end-to-end solution capabilities for fashion, apparel and textile, including a new and innovative Print & Cut solution that enables printing of all garment patterns on a single roll. The new release also features several innovative technology breakthroughs and strengthens its position as a full and sustainable end-to-end solution that helps brands and retailers get products to market faster.

The new software version release will make its worldwide debut at Texprocess 2019, in Frankfurt, Germany, May 14-17, in hall 4, stand B41.

“In order to respond to the fast pace of fashion and changing buying behaviors today, implementing end-to-end digital workflows is no longer a nice-to-have; it is survival. With this new Optitex release, full design-to-production preparation can be automated, enabling customers to focus on creativity, to quicken execution, and allow for the customization required in today’s demanding market,” said Amir Lehr, general manager, EFI Optitex. “As on-demand manufacturing of fashion and apparel continues to gain traction around the world, this new release offers the necessary efficiencies required to meet market requirements for faster time to market, accuracy, customization and personalization, as well as profitable and timely production of small mixed orders.” 

EFI Optitex solutions support the fashion industry’s rapid development pace and consumer demand in the digital and mobile-driven “see now, buy now” era. The technology addresses retailers’ and brands’ urgent need to bring new products to market faster than ever before. It offers features such as advanced automation tools including true-to-life fabric simulation, cross-size simulation and multi-colorway-multi-angle rendering; new power tools to simplify complex stitching; improved grading; ease of design for bags & pockets; an expanded library of 150 commonly used fabrics; an all-in-one avatar solution; and an improved user interface. 

The new Optitex version’s industry-changing Print & Cut solution for complete garment printing on a single roll enables significant savings in fabric roll inventory, with typically 15%-40% greater efficiency compared to traditional methods. 

Fashion and apparel manufacturers also benefit from an improved nesting algorithm that increases fabric utilization by up to 4%.

Additional capabilities in the new Optitex release include:

  • Advanced automation tools including true-to-life fabric simulation, cross-size simulation and multi-colorway-multi-angle rendering
  • Power tools that simplify complex stitching and grading, including designs for bags and pockets
  • A gusset creation tool that simplifies definition of complex gusset shapes for bags, jackets, coats, pants and more
  • A rich library of more than 150 commonly-used fabrics and support for a new licensing mechanism for the Alvanon all-in-one avatar editor
  • Automation of routine tasks such as rendered image creation, and simulation of sized garments, avatars and poses. 

The new release also enables custom views of designs for consistent and adaptable 3D sample displays for product catalogs and design review meeting, minimizing the need for physical samples and costly photo shoots across the design and production workflow.

Optitex Puts Emphasis on APAC in a 3D Educational Seminar in Korea

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KOREA, July 18, 2018. World leading provider of integrated 2D & 3D CAD/CAM software solutions, EFI Optitex, recently hosted its first APAC exclusive event focusing on the latest developments in 3D technology and industry best practices through a wide array of case studies and the strong knowledge base of seasoned industry professionals.

Always an innovator, EFI Optitex continues its global efforts, promoting a digitally optimized supply chain and maintaining a sustainable production cycle. The invitation-only educational event held at Emerald Hall, Lotte Guro Hotel, in South Korea welcomed more than 60 Industry professionals from leading local brands and companies. With a constant emphasis on education regarding the benefits of cutting-edge technology, this strategic forum was demonstrated how the latest developments by EFI Optitex such as O18 and 3D ReVu can optimize the supply chain with powerful out-of-the-box functionality.

“EFI Optitex is able to help the market in various manners. We have a vigorous team of professionals and a strong global presence that enables us to support the technology implementation plan. Moreover, EFI Optitex’s cutting-edge technology offers an end-to-end software solution that connects brands and manufacturers through digital innovation, allowing our client to save valuable resources and get faster to market.” says Jan Chan, Director of Sales, EFI Optitex.

The move into the Korean market is not accidental. EFI Optitex views the APAC market as extremely valuable and puts a lot of resources into education regarding the benefits of 3D technology in this significant market. Together with the its local partner, OptiKorea, EFI Optitex’s management presented an overview of the APAC textile market, discussing customers’ key challenges, and establishing future objectives based on customers’ real needs. One such requirement is education – providing the tools needed to better understand the benefits of 3D technology and the way it can accelerate and streamline the entire supply chain.

At the same time, local partner of EFI Optitex, OptiKorea, announced the launch of the Optitex GuideBook, a step-by-step introduction to the system provided by EFI Optitex, all in Korean.

 

“The Asian market is no longer an OEM market. In recent years, Korea’s domestic market has moved from traditional OEM to ODM, where bringing 3D technology on board would significantly increase manufacturers’ competitive edge. Moreover, 3D can potentially help leading brands differentiate from other market leaders, no longer competing on price alone, but now, delivering real value to end products for both local and global customers.” said Jan Chan, Director of Sales, EFI Optitex.
Always glancing at the future, EFI Optitex will continue promoting the benefits of digitizing the supply chain on a global scale. The success of this seminar prompted EFI Optitex to schedule additional meetings and workshops, while similar events for industry professionals will be expanded into other APAC countries, together with dedicated webinars for APAC industry leaders.

 

For further information please contact Mr. Jan Chan (jan.chan@optitex.com) or our partner, OptiKorea (opti@optikorea.com).

Optitex launches 3D Design Illustrator to validate and customize 3D garments in Adobe Illustrator

Posted on by Emma Datny

LAS VEGAS, January 25, 2018 – EFI Optitex, the world’s leading provider of integrated 2D & 3D CAD/CAM apparel platform technology, has launched the Optitex 3D Design Illustrator, a plug-in tool allowing designers the freedom to validate and customize 3D garments in Adobe® Illustrator®. The new 3D Design Illustrator was announced this week at 19th annual EFI Connect users’ conference in Las Vegas.

Through working in the native design environment on a PC or a Mac, designers can visualize 3D garments, with accurate proportion and scaling, and customize the garment’s fabric, texture, print patterns and graphic placement without waiting for a printed sample.

The plug-in works by importing 2D and 3D pattern files or building block libraries into Adobe Illustrator and activating a window with a 3D representation of the pattern side-by-side. Users can export the final file as a picture or 3D file, validate designs among teams, and send directly for digital or sublimation printing.

“3D adoption is already a necessity for nearly every successful fashion company, and in that space, it is important to onboard all teams from design to production,” said Guy Alroy, head of Textile product management, EFI Productivity Software. “Now, entire teams can enable 3D capabilities to streamline the whole design to print workflows, letting them focus on creativity, reduce physical prototypes, and get to market faster than before.”

A video of the new plug-in software is available here.

EFI fuels success
EFI develops breakthrough technologies connecting the online world to the physical one, providing the industry’s largest portfolios for the textiles, signage, packaging, ceramic tiles, personalised documents and corrugated segments. EFI Optitex software is the world’s leading provider of an integrated 2D/3D platform that enables users to quickly create true-to-life 3D digital garments, empowering apparel and soft goods companies to revolutionise the way they develop, produce, and market their products. Visit www.efi.com/optitex for more information.

Carhartt Turns to 3-D Models to Speed Product Development

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Carhartt Inc. is exploring how it can use 3-D modeling to see how its clothes will fit before it manufactures physical products, a move the company says could save money and speed time to market. If you can get to where you’re getting to a final product in a digital manner, that has incredible opportunity,” said CIO John Hill.

By Steven Norton – Wall Street Journal

Carhartt Inc. is exploring how it can use 3-D modeling to see how its clothes will fit before it manufactures physical products, a move the company says could save money and speed time to market.

The clothing manufacturer is working with tools from fashion-design software firm EFI Optitex and Shima Seiki, maker of computerized knitting machines and design systems, among other companies, to visualize how certain clothing items will drape over a body, Carhartt CIO John Hill said during a visit to The Wall Street Journal’s New York office.

Rather than developing physical samples to see how a button size affects a certain piece of clothing, software can understand how weight impacts a fabric and show it on a digital model.

3-D modeling stands to speed up Carhartt’s product development process by limiting the number of physical product samples it has to create. Sometimes the company sources some physical manufacturing abroad, increasing the time it takes for Carhartt’s designers in Dearborn, Mich. to receive the samples. The digital designs can allow them to visualize different styles and accessories while dealing with fewer physical materials.

“The question is how can we make that experience almost the same without having to produce the sample,” Mr. Hill said. “If you can get to where you’re getting to a final product in a digital manner, that has incredible opportunity.”

Digital designs could also help Carhartt spot potential problems with clothes before they hit a physical store. In the past, issues with a piece of clothing, such as too much color in a particular area, wouldn’t be seen until it’s on the floor. Technology now allows the company to create digital models of a retail store to see what its product line would look like in the real world.

Down the road, Mr. Hill envisions using technology to allow customers to try on clothes using their smartphone cameras and digital avatars, so they can see how things will fit before making a purchase. “You can imagine being able to take your own avatar…and you can actually try (the clothes) on you.”

See full article

Patrizia Pepe Chooses Optitex as Its 2D/3D Strategic Partner

Posted on by Emma Datny

MILAN, October 2, 2017 – EFI™ Optitex, a world-leading provider of an integrated 2D & 3D CAD/CAM software platform for the apparel and textile industries, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Tessilform, the Tuscany-based company owner of the famous brand, Patrizia Pepe.

The partnership includes the acquisition of a large configuration of 2D and 3D EFI Optitex licenses by Patrizia Pepe, which will initially drive the digital transformation of its apparel department before extending the solutions to its bags department.

As 3D is seen as a key success factor to face the new challenges of the fashion market, Patrizia Pepe chose EFI Optitex after a thorough evaluation of what the market had to offer. “EFI Optitex is a trusted partner and the well-established leader offering a cutting-edge technology and the greatest knowledge regarding best practices for adopting 2D and 3D integrated solutions,” said Sebastiano Lombardo, Patrizia Pepe’s general manager.

“By incorporating EFI Optitex digital solutions into the company design and production workflows, we expect to decrease our time to market by 30%, while better streamlining our internal processes and significantly reducing our costs,” added Lombardo. “Moreover, we expect to launch high-quality offerings more frequently in order to meet our clients’ needs.”

Asaf Landau, EFI Optitex’s vice president and general manager, stated that the partnership with Tessilform is “very meaningful as Patrizia Pepe is another leading brand leveraging 3D to gain competitive advantage via digital transformation. We see the wave of 3D adoption accelerating with leaders which are leading the industry evolution.”

EFI Optitex’s portfolio includes 8,000 apparel and fashion companies, including famous brands in Italy and the world.

EFI fuels success

EFI develops breakthrough technologies connecting the online world to the physical one, providing one of the industry’s largest portfolios for the textiles, signage, packaging, ceramic tiles, personalized documents and corrugated segments. EFI Optitex software is one of the world’s leading providers of integrated 2D/3D platforms that enable users to quickly create true-to-life 3D digital garments, empowering apparel and soft goods companies to revolutionize the way they develop, produce, and market their products. Visit www.efi.com/optitex for more information.