CITDA Symposium, CADExpo Tackle Technology Integration - Computer Integrated Textile Design Association

Bobbin, Oct, 2000 by Jordan K. Speer

Systems integration, trend analysis, color fidelity issues and virtual reality technologies were among the hot topics at the recent GITDA Symposium and CADExpo.

"Reality check" was the theme of this year's Computer Integrated Textile Design Association (CITDA.) 2000 NY Symposium, which explored the latest advances in design technologies and the most current schools of thought on global design trend tracking, 3-D virtual reality and more.

The two-day series of seminars, held Aug. 21-22 in conjunction with the CADExpo and Yarn Fair International shows, also featured presentations on topics including communication process improvement, tools for e-commerce sales and color fidelity, to name a few. Additionally attendees could see demonstrations of many of the featured technologies and concepts at the CADExpo.

Speakers at the symposium suggested that the industry's cutting edge CAD tools and processes will be integrated with each other and into the entire supply chain, from design to retail. Already, CAD technologies are being brought to bear on everything from textil e design to virtual merchandising. Technologies such as virtual reality are hitting the market in software packages that allow designers to create garments in a 3-D environment and send their files to remote locations via the Internet. And while still in its infancy stages, the use of this technology as a tool for garment try-on and fit for consumers is predicted to take online shopping to a new level in the coming years.

Connecting through Technology and Resources

While technology is moving ahead at lightning speed, there remain barriers to streamlining these processes into a fast and efficient chain of information. "Because of growth, companies have bought lots of equipment and often find that they can't share information," said speaker Michael Gershowitz, vice president of NAPC, stressing that CAD systems and equipment need to he intuitive, adaptable to future changes and capable of offering easy-to-find information.

Some of the barriers preventing collaboration within a company and between companies and their customers are differing computer platforms, operating systems, programs and file types; an inefficient network or server infrastructure; limited file storage space and limited access to Web and system resources expounded Gershowitz. To combat some of these problems, he suggested setting goals for building up resources and infrastructure, including centralizing data into an organized shared resource, providing network resources, coordinating with corporate information technology (IT) goals and constantly evaluating process improvements in terms of advances in productivity.

Kathleen Saxhy, product technology consultant for the Limited Inc., concurred. Companies must keep the lines of communication open and involve their entire user communities in what they are doing, she stressed. It is important to meet with users to determine individual roles and tools needed, to analyze the similarities and differences between departments, and so forth, so that the direction of the project can be determined. Objectives may include standardization of applications and integration across company applications.

Furthermore, said Saxhy, the CAD department must have the support of the IT department, or nothing is going to fly. It is important to ensure that budget and financial personnel understand what is going on and why funds are needed. Additionally, have independent consultants investigate other companies to see what they're doing, she suggested.

Lastly, she implored: "Involve your design community and appoint a key point person. If the design department doesn't have what it needs, you're not going to get your return on investment."

In terms of software, designers need not only functions for design but also tools for sketching, graphics, specification data management, pattern making, color, visual merchandising and tracking. Meanwhile, hardware needs include monitors, scanners, printers, spectrophotometers and digital cameras.

Styling Services Condense Global Trends to Singular Vision

As design takes on a truly global outlook and consumers are exposed to international trends -- through the Web, increased international travel and a barrage of multimedia images -- fashion in one corner of the world can spark a craze thousands of miles away.

With this in mind, designers are faced with the seemingly impossible task of assembling and synthesizing endless material into a workable concept on which to base their creations, whether they be apparel, textiles, furniture, accessories or home decor.

Fortunately, trend bureaus have stepped up to the plate, relieving designers of the time-consuming job of trend monitoring. These services come in the traditional form of trendbooks and individualized consulting services, such as those offered by CADExpo exhibitor Promostyl, but are increasingly cropping up on the Web, where they can be immediately accessed worldwide.

One such service, Worth Global Style Network (WGSN), offers its subscribers fast access to all aspects of international style information, a service that is the result of extensive research and development, explained seminar panelist Barbara Kennington, creative and editorial director of WGSN.