Apparel manufacturers in South-East Asia, particularly from India, are a peculiar lot. Produces from the factories in this part of the world are reigning the racks of top fashion labels across the globe and yet they prove to be one of the most difficult markets for technology providers with advanced solutions. While basic technology providers make merry, there are some players who want to wait for the market to mature and then organically accept the advanced technology. Lectra, the French CAD/CAM solution provider for integrated cutting rooms, is amongst the latter. In an exclusive interview with StitchWorld, Daniel Harari, CEO, Lectra, explains his stance. The latest edition of StitchWorld also tackles the premise of high and low WIP. When these high levels of inventory enter the production system, problems are created much before they are detected by roving or final QA, and thus increase the chance of defects and rework. High WIP levels make it harder to find and quickly process an urgent order or size/colour selection through the production system. On the other hand, low WIP or WIP starvation will lead to idle machines and idle labour – a cost incurred by the minute. TeamStitchWorld analyses if there exists an ideal situation and solution. The issue also reviews a garment production plan scheduling optimization system – IOS-APS. It has been developed by Guangzhou Integrated Optimization Solution Co. to provide enterprises with rich features like capacity load, change orders, material availability, alerts for key preproduction events, and production schedules, to improve timely delivery of goods and reduce excess inventory, while strengthening the communication between the multiple stakeholders and increasing customer satisfaction as well.
