As the industry becomes increasingly complex on design and delivery, with lead times for product delivery reducing, the use of automation is on the rise to aid the process. The true pioneer of automated design and cutting systems, Gerber Technology featured at the Texprocess Americas 2014, with focus on showcasing the company’s ability to execute as well as track work throughout the entire process from order entry to cutting room. Supporting its global operations are manufacturing units in the US, Asia and Europe. “We are the only company that has capability to manufacture in both hemispheres. Since all regions have different needs, our technology fits in perfectly, addressing the customized need of each region individually,” says Michael R. Elia, President and CEO, Gerber Scientific.
Having a base in the US has more importance today than ever before, as more and more retailers look for re-shoring and near-shoring options. “We see some of our customers trying to get closer to their clients and a lot of it has to do with the speed to market and of fast changing designs. No doubt time is critical in fashion today and going forward, brands will continue to manufacture close to the consumers,” opines Samuel F. Simpson, Jr., Vice President, Global Strategic Accounts, Gerber Technology. Interestingly, America which was earlier not so fashion-conscious, is now going the European way with consumers looking for differentiation. “My opinion is that the buying pattern of the American Consumers has changed for good, they want more fashion content. They put off buying till they get an impulse. When they get that impulse, they want to buy right than. And the only way that is going to happen is for that type of manufacturing to be done closer to the consumer which may not be the United States but Central America,” adds Simpson.
Gerber realizes that the only way the US can manufacture those impulse garments for the price that the consumer wants to pay, is through technology whether it is the robotics technology or tracking and monitoring the product lifecycle. Targeting this need Gerber showcased its Paragon multi-ply cutter with a new intuitive user interface, advanced cutting head and reporting capabilities. “Our new cutting platform does not need dedicated operators any longer. One operator does what earlier was being done by 3 persons. With intelligence imbibed into the control system, the system automatically adjusts itself and cuts the fabric accordingly,” informs Simpson.
Also on display was a cutting solution dedicated to leather, the Taurus II, with enhanced nesting and digital image capturing tools. “Taurus II employs nesting capabilities that are 250 times more powerful than previous offerings. When compared to manual or die cutting of leather, field tests have shown as much as 10 per cent yield improvements,” says Simpson. Other technologies that attracted attention were AccuMark V9.0 furnished with advanced pattern design techniques and a new cutting room planning solution, and AccuNest, a multi-core automatic marking software that delivers improved material utilization added to the extensive catalogue of Gerber. “With a lot of manual entries eliminated, errors and mundane operations are taken away and a new style is put into production quicker,” concludes Elia.
