This articles concludes our conversation with Tom Kopinski, 3D industry expert and founder of Cambios Consulting. In this segment we'll focus on Tom's views regarding what's keeping leaders at Fashion Brands and shoe manufacturers from adopting the benefits of 3D and digital automation. He'll also share his views on the changes that companies can make to take advantage of these technologies.

3. Given all of the proven benefits, what do you feel is keeping these manufacturers from making the transition?

One of the big themes I have heard is this notion of trust. Everyone is concerned that the 3D tools don’t really simulate the actual material or fabric behavior. One production managers asked me “...If I stop creating prototypes or asking for samples in advance how do I know that the computer model is actually going to match the finished garment?”

The other barrier is that the role of the pattern maker is fundamental to the current process and pattern makers don’t see the need for the change. But since managers and business leaders rely on their team to evaluate and recommend new tools, well most of these discussions stop before they really get started. At that point it really has to be a management decision.

3D design and digital automation tools enable on-demand production of garments and shoes.   Isn't it time to take a closer look? — 3D design and digital automation tools enable on-demand production of garments and shoes. Isn't it time to take a closer look?

4. Do you have any advice to help Fashion Brands and Shoe Manufacturers evaluate, select and implement software to automate the process?

Sure. First decide which of the benefits of 3D are most important to your business:

communication and collaboration
innovation - visualize garment and fabric look and behavior . Understand how it will drape and deform without physical prototypes
efficiency - integrate design, patterning, cut, sew and ship

Focus on one during your initial evaluation and implementation. Then once you have a strong foundation expand the benefits to other parts and eventually to your entire enterprise.

Second, and this is probably the more important tip, make sure your leaders are committed to the change. As I said I've seen many of these evaluations stall because the leadership couldn't paint a compelling vision of why this 3D transition is important. You either need a cool vision for success or a cautionary tale on the downside of staying the same. Without that any of the bumps in the road or champions for the status quo will kill the effort.

Interested in making the transition to Digital. Speak with the Experts

Eaton Donald CEO and Mark Jewell CTO of ExactFlat will be at Texprocess 2018, the textile manufacturing industry’s leading trade fair for technology. If you’re planning to attend as well they’d be happy to sit down with you to review the impact that Digital Patterning is having on the business. Just click below to schedule a time to meet at the show or to have a one-on-one phone conversation with our experts.

About the Expert

Tom Kopinski is founder and principal of Cambios Consulting. Over the course of his career, Tom gained broad cross-functional experience in design-to-manufacturing processes and the implementation of 3D solutions for discrete manufacturing.

Through Cambios Consulting, Tom is now applying his experience with 3D in the manufacturing industry to industries that are just starting to see the potential benefits of transitioning to digital processes, including fashion design, digital dentistry, and medical modeling..

Tom founded Cambios Consulting based on his passion for Sustainable Behavioral Change.