The Virtual Sample Approval

For long, the notoriously time consuming and iterative process of sample approval was a  pain point for apparel manufacturers. Sensing the prospects of virtualising the sample approval process, all CAD solution providers jumped in with 3D simulations. Gerber has come up with 4-hour digital sample approval solution, not to mention the commercialisation of digital textile printing solution coincides with the same time frame starting the longest technological tussle or digital asymmetry in apparel manufacturing.

As the CAD solution providers line up with their 3D simulation solution, the age old sample approval process comes under threat. The traditional sample approval process used to involve live model fit session at the buyer’s office (in Europe and USA) once the physical garment sample used to arrive by courier (from Asian manufacturers). First the naysayers argued that while the 3D simulation process can visually depict the drape, it is unable to indicate the feel of the live model (read tightness and looseness, etc.)  The software developers took the challenge in right spirit and soon came up with heap map solution where computer modelling of fabric can indicate the tightness of garment in different zones by changing the colour.