Computers in the

Textiles Industry
 What are the main advantages of
using computers?

More Efficient
Faster: Reduces the time taken to complete tasks
Cheaper: Decreases costs within industry
Provide a simple means on presenting designs/work
Clearer: Improves and clarifies Communication
Duplicating: Reduces repetition
 The 5 main examples of computers
systems used in the Textile Industry:

Development of designs, creating

CAD: Computers are used for store
and grading patterns and lay design, lay planning and
planning. Computer Aided Design cutting, sewing and pressing.

CAA: CAM:
Computer Aided Technology
Computer Aided
Administration Manufacture
ICT packages are used for
marketing, sales order A system –
processing and monitoring stock computer based
levels. which speeds up

CIM:
sales

This ICT system is

EPOS: transactions and
keeps account on
stock levels.
used at every stage
of planning, designing
Computer Integrated Electronic Point
and manufacturing. Manufacture of Sale
 Other New Technology?

Companies take advantage of other new technologies.

Some examples are:
Skype

Instant Video
Messaging Conferencing

Interactive Technology Blogging

Design

Virtual Networking Sites

Imaging e.g. Bebo, My Space and You Tube

E-retail
 How is ICT used?
STAGE: PURPOSE:
Research and Presenting • Collecting and recording relevant
facts
• Using digital imagery
Design • Creating visual designs
• Developing a specification
• Creating a prototype
• Experimental work
Manufacturing/Production • Producing patterns
• Producing end garments
• Controlling machinery
• Costings
Distribution • Stock control and dispatch
systems
• Order processing
Sales • Promoting the product e.g.
Advertising
• Sales channels e.g. on TV,
website/E-tailing
• E-Commerce
• Security Tagging
EXAMPLES:
• Internet/email
• Graphics Software
•Digital Camera
•Word Processing Software
• Video Conferencing
• Graphics Software
• Digital Camera
• Scanner
• Digital Printer
• CAD Systems
• Lay planning
• Digitisers / Digital Printers
• 3D body scanning equipment
• Computerised sewing, knitting and
weaving ,machines
• EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
• Tagging (RFID)
• Word Processing / Databases
• Spreadsheets
• Stock/asset tracking software
• Graphics Software
• Word Processing Software
• Digital Printer
• Digital Camera
• EPOS software
• PDM Software
 The Three Phases…

There are three main phases to the creation of commercial textiles

product. ICT is used in all of these phases:
Research… topic
using ICT software
such as on line
Specification… typing Present… ideas using
a garment graphic packages,
specification powerpoint
presentations or using
Stage 1: mood boards

Pre-Production
Model… fabric on a
product using 2D Develop… a series of
mapping or 3D image designs using vector
draping system drawing graphics ICT
software

Design… fabrics using

CAD package
 The Three Phases…
There are three main phases to the creation of commercial textiles
product. ICT is used in all of these phases:
Testing… on the 3D image… can be
Production is made product generated via a flat
2D pattern and
Product is sent to … mapped on a computer
Production Line ( this =‘avatar’
could be a production Costings… are
plant abroad) generated using PDM
(Product Data
Production Sample… Stage 2: Management) software
is produced and manufacturing
Production Phase specifications
Fabrics are cut out
accurately using PDM… These systems
…cutting tables are used to track
materials/components
for manufacturing can
Lay Plans… are produced with Product specification begin
an ICT package. This will is used with specialist
calculate the best way of laying software for…
pattern pieces on the fabric- creating patterns
minimising waste
 The Three Phases…

There are three main phases to the creation of commercial textiles

product. ICT is used in all of these phases:

Sales/Marketing… With a computerised

This involves a virtual barcode system EPS a
design system, which garment can be
shows how the product tracked at any retail
can be displayed on in- outlet
store systems
Stage 3:
Post-Production

When launching the

product it can be
viewed on the web and
On line retailing… a virtual fashion show
selling products online can be seen