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FOG Software Group Announces a Strategic Merger Between NedGraphics and Optitex to Drive Innovation and Growth

FOG Software Group Announces a Strategic Merger Between NedGraphics and Optitex to Drive Innovation and Growth
New York, NY, July 3rd, 2024 – FOG Software Group (“FOG”), a division of Constellation Software Inc. and a leading provider of vertical market software solutions, announces a key strategic merger between NedGraphics Software (“NedGraphics”) and Optitex Ltd. (“Optitex”) to drive innovation and accelerate business growth.

The combined business unit aims to strengthen its position as a true global player with an expansive portfolio in the textile and apparel software industry, leveraging best practices and market knowledge from both organizations. The family of businesses will continue to serve their customers under the two well-established and recognizable brand names, NedGraphics and Optitex, reflecting their unique positioning in different market segments.

This strategic merger intends to combine the strengths of both companies, complementing and enhancing their ability to provide customers globally with strategically aligned resources and complementary product offerings that amplify their business operations, workflows, and supply chains.

Following the appointment of Jenny Tcharnaia as Textile and Apparel Group President at Constellation Software Inc. earlier this year, Frank Maeder, the current Interim President of NedGraphics, will now assume the role of President of the newly merged NedGraphics and Optitex business group, effective immediately. Maeder, who has served as NedGraphics VP of Product since October 2022, will spearhead efforts to ensure continuous innovation, business development, and customer satisfaction. With over two decades of experience in the graphic technology industry, he brings a wealth of expertise to the President position. Throughout his career, he has held key managerial roles at industry-leading firms, including Creo, Eastman Kodak, X-Rite Pantone, and Epson Europe. Across Frank’s professional journey, he has demonstrated enthusiasm and talent for launching and expanding initiatives, guiding them towards enduring success, and fostering remarkable growth in new projects and products.

Maeder will be supported by a leadership team with a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of market dynamics:

Jim Collins, VP of Global Sales for Optitex, brings over 25 years of experience in the CAD/CAM business for textile-related manufacturing companies, empowering sales teams to surpass quotas. He has played a key role in the digital transformation of numerous companies.

Elton Koeberg, VP of Customer Success for NedGraphics and Optitex, has over 20 years of experience in customer success, technical services, and project management. He has held senior leadership roles at several global companies, combining mentorship with strategic growth initiatives.

Paul Smithson, VP of Engineering for NedGraphics and Optitex, has over 24 years of experience with a proven track record of delivering stable and reliable software solutions while advocating for Agile methodologies. He excels at building and leading high-performing teams, with a focus on talent development.

Roni Rotkop, VP of HR for NedGraphics and Optitex, brings over 15 years of experience in organizational development, employee engagement, labor relations, the end-to-end employee life cycle (hire-to-retire), team building, and training programs.

Slavena Kiryakova, VP of Marketing for NedGraphics and Optitex, has over 20 years of marketing expertise gained from her tenure with esteemed international companies. She specializes in merging data analytics with creative marketing to drive growth, enhance brand recognition, and improve customer engagement.

More information about the leadership team can be found at nedgraphics.com and optitex.com.

Jenny Tcharnaia, now Textile & Apparel Portfolio Group President, expressed her enthusiasm for this significant milestone:

“I am confident that this strategic merger will not only broaden the market reach of both companies but will allow our global customers and potential new customers to benefit from greater customer service, top-tier industry-leading solutions, and best practices.”

Frank Maeder, newly appointed President of NedGraphics and Optitex, added:

“As I step into my new role as President, I am deeply honored and excited to lead this powerful new entity towards new heights. With a relentless focus on customer empowerment, sustainability, and organizational excellence, we will strive to redefine industry standards and exceed the expectations of our valued customers.”

The teams at NedGraphics and Optitex look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as they embark on this new chapter under the guidance of an esteemed management team. NedGraphics and Optitex remain committed to delivering advanced textile and apparel software solutions for design and production that maximize creativity, efficiency, and precision while contributing to a better environment.

NedGraphics and Optitex are owned by FOG Software Group, a division of Constellation Software Inc. (TSX: CSU). FOG Software Group acquires, builds, and grows software companies in a variety of vertical markets while holding them forever, enabling them to be clear leaders in their industries.

About NedGraphics

NedGraphics™ is the leading provider of textile design and CAD / CAM software solutions for apparel, home furnishings, flooring, and other textile markets. Designers using NedGraphics gain full creative freedom, enhanced efficiency, productivity, and accuracy, enabling the creation of production-ready artwork. For more insights, visit nedgraphics.com.

About Optitex

Optitex is the leading global provider of integrated 2D/3D product development software solutions for the fashion, apparel, transportation interiors, and furniture markets. With three decades of experience and over 30,000 installations worldwide, Optitex delivers a comprehensive range of tools that assist and accelerate the product development process, reducing returns, enhancing sustainability, and boosting operational excellence. For more insights, visit optitex.com.

OPTITEX O/23.2

 

Following the release of Optitex O/23.1, with improvements in GPU simulation and reporting features, we are pleased to introduce our recently released version, Optitex O/23.2, where you can benefit from value-added enhancements in grading and sizing tools, Marker, and more!

OPTITEX O/23.2 HIGHLIGHTS

PDS 2D

  • Enhanced precision with incremental grading adjustment, displays additional data for adjusting accuracy and grading between pieces.
  • Accelerated notch grading, to grade the notch even faster, without the need for further calculations.
  • Preferences options includes the ability to disable ‘Exclude in Marker’ from piece properties.
  • Greater legibility in the Pieces Table with the selected row highlighted in white.
PDS 2D - Incremental grading adjustment
PDS 2D – Incremental grading adjustment
PDS 2D - Accelerated notch grading
PDS 2D – Accelerated notch grading

Marker

  • Seamlessly generate QR codes in Excel reports, and conveniently scan Marker files anytime, anywhere via a mobile device, without the need to print additional reports.
  • Updated Nesting Pro algorithm, with the Nest ++ Pro Library updated to Ver 7258 (default), and time-flexible Nesting, with the option to run either Nest ++ Pro & Nest ++ 2 via real-time (clock) or CPU time.
  • Benefit from enhanced nesting performance with the ability to display nesting efficiency and length changes during the nesting process.
Marker - Added QR codes in Excel reports
Marker – Added QR codes in Excel reports

Bug Fixes – To enhance efficiency in PDS 2D/3D, automatic nesting mode was removed, button commands match relevant symbols, and draft vertical/horizontal shortcuts were added. DXF conversion enables importing files from Assyst CAD, Marker Wizard pieces’ quantity achieved using StyleSet, and logo rotation can be done in GBL file creation.

To read about our previous product releases, visit: O/23.1, O/23.

OPTITEX O/23.1

Following the release of Optitex O/23 with our new simulation engine, we are pleased to introduce our recently released version, Optitex O/23.1, where you can enjoy value-added improvements in GPU simulation, enhanced reporting features, and bug fixes in both PDS 2D and 3D.

OPTITEX O/23.1 HIGHLIGHTS

GPU Simulation – Enhanced collision detection capabilities, two new view modes in the GPU simulation window, unique-color mode and wireframe view, plus the ability to toggle the avatar on/off, to view the inside of a garment or release collisions with the Adjust tool. Active colorways, as well as buttons, are now visible in the GPU simulation window, and the ability to also reopen the window after the simulation is complete (as long as pieces were not changed), to see colorways or newly-added buttons.

Reports – Now include additional information, such as piece rotation allowance, piece buffer width, and type.

Bug Fixes – To enhance PDS 2D and 3D functionality, GPU simulation engine runs upon request, you can now choose the location “Arm Right” when positioning pattern pieces around the avatar, view and delete track lines, and apply fold angles to pair pieces.

To read about our previous product releases, visit: O/23, O/22.

OPTITEX O/23

We are pleased to announce the release of Optitex O/23, which introduces a new simulation engine. Faster, more versatile and easier to use, the new engine serves as the foundation for a host of increased simulation capabilities. In addition, O/23’s new capabilities benefit our existing tools like fit tools, high-quality rendering and collaboration features in O/Cloud.

OPTITEX O/23 HIGHLIGHTS

New simulation engine – Supports for multiple layers and gatherings.
New simulation engine

PDS: XY tension map – Describes the combined tension in every point on the garment or simulated product. Particularly useful for technical products such as inflatable or upholstered products, as the XY map will showcase areas with high tension that requires changes or updates.
Tension XY - Inflatable mattress
TensionXY - Soccer Ball
Fit analysis on O/Cloud! – Files uploaded to O/Cloud with PDS version O/23 now include the stretch map and unique-color map, both of which can be viewed in side-by-side mode in O/Cloud.

If you’d like to read more about our latest updates, visit our page detailing the upgrades made to O/23.1.

OPTITEX O/22

We are pleased to announce the release of Optitex O/22 with key enhancements in PDS 2D, PDS 3D, and Marker. Bringing unrivalled speed and accuracy to patternmakers, Optitex O/22 introduces multi-selection capabilities across numerous pattern modification tools. Now, patternmakers can perform more complex tasks, and complete jobs faster on a larger number of styles.

Powered by exciting new features and functionality, Optitex O/22 provides 3D users with the very best animation tools on the market today. All the tools you need to generate highly-accurate photorealistic animations with just a few simple clicks. Plus, simulation can be done on any animated avatar, including DAZ avatars, to make them even more spectacular. Optitex O/22 offers significant savings – no more costly, time-consuming post-production steps.

OPTITEX O/22 HIGHLIGHTS

PDS 2D

  • Multi-selection for 2D functions – Increase speed and selection precision on segments and points
  • Style set search made easy – Quick search specific style set in heavy files with 100’s of pieces and style sets
  • Track line for internal objects – Easily track changes to internal objects
  • Highlight curve points – Fast and seamless curve point identification
  • Enhanced direct connectivity from PDS to Centric 8 PLM – Upload new 2D data from PDS, and easily integrate into Centric 8 tables, and UI
  • Enriched ASTM and AAMA – Import files with 1000’s of large internal objects
  • Print & Cut – Fully supports Ai 27 (2023)

Multi Selection capability for various 2D functions
Multi Selection capability for various 2D functions
Easier style set search
Easier style set search

PDS 3D

  • Photorealistic and fit animation: Intuitive style simulation on animated avatars, adds unmatched value for internal collection reviews, fit analysis in motion, and marketing presentations
  • Avatar Motion Speed parameter – Helps to reduce cloth collision
  • DAZ avatars via Optitex Asset Portal – Wide selection of photorealistic-quality virtual models with accessories and animations for collection marketing, sales, internal presentations, and fit needs
  • Animated Optitex avatars via Optitex Asset Portal – Newly-added animations to review exquisite customer styles in motion, fit analysis, and internal collection presentations
  • Boosted Save Images dialog and functionality changes – Generate static/animated fit analysis data for collaborative review on O/Cloud or offline; Save photorealistic-quality style animation in various colorways for marketing, sales, or internal reviews
  • Protected avatars – Brand/avatar providers can ensure their scanned models are protected from redistribution to external third-party apps
  • Exciting, new data on Optitex (O/Cloud) Asset Portal – Benefit from a rich collection of assets updated weekly – avatars, buttons and locks, materials, report templates, and more

Intuitive style simulation on animated avatars
Improved DXF file support – Instantly open/view thousands of perforated materials
New data on Optitex (O/Cloud) Asset Portal

Marker

  • Marker Creation Wizard – New buffer fields – Set buffering values and types while creating markers

RECARO Automotive beschleunigt digitales Design und Produktion mit Optitex 2D CAD-Lösungen

Der weltweit führende Hersteller von Premium-Fahrzeugsitzen reagiert auf die Marktnachfrage nach Geschwindigkeit und Flexibilität mit robusten und zuverlässigen 2D-Digital-Design- und Entwicklungstools

Tel Aviv, Israel, 14. Oktober 2021Optitex®, ein globaler Anbieter von integrierten End-to-End 2D- und 3D-CAD/CAM-Softwarelösungen für die Mode-, Technologie- und Automobilindustrie, gab heute seine Vereinbarung mit RECARO Automotive bekannt, einem weltweit führenden Hersteller von Automobilsitzen für OEMs sowie für Aftermarket- und Motorsport-Sitze, der Optitex 2D PDS (Pattern Design Software)-Lösungen und ergänzende Marker-Tools gekauft hat, um die Abläufe von der Entwicklung bis hin zur Produktion zu optimieren.

RECARO Automotive mit Hauptsitz in den USA und Niederlassungen in Deutschland und Japan setzt seit 1965 Maßstäbe im Bereich Automobilsitze. RECARO, ein anerkannter globaler Marktführer, entwickelt, produziert und vertreibt Premium-Fahrzeugsitze und hat einige der weltweit führenden, global tätigen Automobilhersteller in seinem Kundenstamm.

Als einer der weltweit führenden Hersteller von Fahrzeugsitzsystemen entwirft, entwickelt und produziert RECARO gekonnt Autositzlösungen, die ausschließlich aus hochwertigen Materialien bestehen, bei denen die Reduzierung von Materialabfällen von entscheidender Bedeutung ist. Um in einem sich schnell verändernden und hart umkämpften Markt Schritt zu halten und der Nachfrage nach hochwertigen Materialien, großen Mengen sowie kostspieligen Ressourcen und Arbeitskräften nachzukommen, war RECARO Deutschland bestrebt, ihr Design zu verbessern, um die Produktion effizienter zu machen.

Das RECARO-Team ist mit den fortschrittlichen digitalen Tools von Optitex vertraut, was Optitex zu seiner bevorzugten Lösung macht. RECARO hat sich mit Optitex zusammengetan und Optitex 2D PDS (Pattern Design Software) implementiert, um den Design- und Produktionsablauf vollständig zu automatisieren, insbesondere um alle Oberflächenmaterialien für RECARO-Sitze effizient zu produzieren, was zu einer Reduzierung von Materialverschwendung und Kosten führte.

Optitex PDS 2D ist eine fortschrittliche Softwarelösung zur Erstellung von Mustern, um nahtlos digitale Muster zu erstellen und Hunderte von manuellen Schritten im Design-Entwicklungsprozess zu eliminieren. Mit PDS 2D können Technologiedesigner Designs von Grund auf neu erstellen, digitale Muster mit leistungsstarken Bearbeitungswerkzeugen bearbeiten und fertigstellen und vorhandene Papiermuster digitalisieren, um hochpräzise, voll funktionsfähige digitale Muster zu erhalten. Um 2D PDS zu ergänzen, hat RECARO auch Optitex Marker eingeführt, ein innovatives Schneidelayoutwerkzeug zur Planung und Optimierung der Stoffnutzung.

„Als führender Zulieferer für einige der weltweit hochwertigsten und leistungsstärksten Automobilhersteller müssen wir unbedingt in jedem Sitzsystem, das wir anbieten, konsequent Produktsicherheit, Komfort und Nachhaltigkeit gewährleisten“, sagte Jürgen Ebner, Leiter Einkauf und Logistik der RECARO Automotive GmbH in Deutschland. „Wir sind in einem hart umkämpften Markt unterwegs, in dem unsere Kunden nicht weniger als das Beste verlangen. Aus diesem Grund haben wir uns für Optitex entschieden, um von Anfang an mit einem starken und zuverlässigen Anbieter zusammenzuarbeiten, der uns nicht nur dabei helfen kann, unsere führende Position zu halten, sondern auch die Messlatte für unsere Design- und Produktionseffizienz zu erhöhen. Wir sind zuversichtlich, dass wir mit Optitex 2D PDS und Marker wertvolle Zeit, Ressourcen und Kosten sparen werden. Insbesondere die Reduzierung von Materialverschwendung soll damit gewährleistet werden. Optitex hat die Art und Weise, wie wir arbeiten, heute und auch in Zukunft verändert.“

Jamie Symon, Automotive Business Development Director bei Optitex, sagte: „Wir sind stolz darauf, RECARO Automotive in Deutschland in unserem globalen Kundenstamm willkommen zu heißen. Wir werden auch weiterhin erfolgreiche Lösungen liefern, um den wachsenden Kundenanforderungen und den hohen Anforderungen der Branche gerecht zu werden. Unsere digitalen 2D-Tools sind darauf ausgelegt, diesem dynamischen Markt einen erheblichen Mehrwert zu verleihen, und wir freuen uns auf eine lange und für beide Seiten vorteilhafte Beziehung zu den Design- und Produktionsteams von RECARO, um ihnen zu helfen, ihren Kunden auf der ganzen Welt marktführende Produkte zu liefern.“

Heute blicken sowohl RECARO als auch Optitex optimistisch in die Zukunft und freuen sich auf eine langfristige Zusammenarbeit. Aktuell gibt es Gespräche, um RECARO mit zusätzlichen Optitex 2D-Funktionen und ergänzenden Tools weiter zu unterstützen und im nächsten Schritt Optitex 3D-Abflachungslösungen auf den Zeichenbrettern und in der Produktion bei RECARO zu implementieren.

Über Recaro Automotive:

Recaro Automotive ist ein führender Hersteller von Premium-Fahrzeugsitzen für OEMs und den Aftermarket. An drei Standorten in Europa, den USA und in Japan entwerfen, fertigen und vermarkten wir unter dem Markennamen Recaro komplette Sitze, die repräsentativ für unsere Kernkompetenzen Design, Ergonomie, Handwerkskunst, Robustheit, Leichtbau und erstklassige Verarbeitung sind. Recaro Automotive nutzt die Marke Recaro unter einer Lizenz der Recaro Holding.

Für weitere Informationen besuchen Sie bitte www.recaro-automotive.com.

OPTITEX O/24

 

We are pleased to announce the release of Optitex O/24 with new and exciting enhancements in Optitex PDS 2D & 3D, Marker, and more! Now, you can enjoy new features and functionality to handle complex jobs with ease, and go-to-market faster, with accurate, premium-quality garment collections.

Powered by industry-leading 2D and 3D development tools, Optitex O/24 includes significant enhancements in GPU simulation engine, fast and seamless export of symmetric patterns, ability to upload colorways as GLB files to O/Cloud in just one click, easily export 3D for animation in external packages, and lots more!

New enhancements in Optitex PDS 2D & 3D, Marker, and more!
New enhancements in Optitex PDS 2D & 3D, Marker, and more!

OPTITEX O/24 HIGHLIGHTS

PDS 2D

  • Export AAMA/ASTM – Enjoy an enhanced AAMA/ASTM export, allowing exporting of symmetric patterns with single-side notches/internals, fast and easy, without manual steps
  • Define buttons – Assign buttons to specific sizes, thus greatly simplifying button grading.
  • Lectra file converter – Added support in notch and drill mappings for easier conversion from Lectra to PDS files
Assign buttons to specific sizes
Assign buttons to specific sizes

PDS 3D

  • GPU simulation engine – Enhanced simulation to boost performance and stability, including an extended range of simulated garments and bags, extensive fit-related viewing options, wider selection of lighting environments, improvements in GPU window UI/UX, and more
  • Upload colorways – Automatically upload colorways (articles) as GLB files to O/Cloud, with every colorway presented in a separate GLB file
  • Export 3D for animation – Optimized export of 3D animation sequences for use in external animation software
  • Color swatch matching – Significant enhancements in refining color swatch matching between PDS and Photoshop
Automatically upload colorways as GLB files to O/Cloud
Automatically upload colorways as GLB files to O/Cloud

Marker

  • NEW! ‘Search in Preference Dialog’ option for easier access to settings, without the need to browse all user preferences, saving valuable time and resources
NEW in Marker: ‘Search in Preference Dialog’ option
NEW in Marker: ‘Search in Preference Dialog’ option