12 October 2009, Wakayama - Flat knitting machine
manufacturer Shima Seiki is collaborating with one of the oldest and most
respected department stores in Japan, Takashimaya Department Stores, to take in-store
orders for custom knitwear using its latest Wholegarment knitting technology.
The company’s ‘Ordermade’ Wholegarment knitwear project is running at the
Takashimaya Yokohama store from 7th to 19th October, and at the
Tokyo main store from 21st October to 3rd November.
“The enormous potential behind Wholegarment knitting
technology and its on-demand production capabilities allow mass-customization
scenarios in which knitwear can be produced according to individual size, shape
and design. Because the entire knitwear can be produced in one-piece in a
single process, ideally this can be performed in a matter of hours, if not
minutes”, said Shima Seiki’s Creative Head, Masaki Karasuno.
In popularizing this concept for more widespread use, such a
scenario would consist of a preset variety of designs and size templates to
simplify the ordering and programming processes, not unlike the ‘Easy-Order’
made-to-measure system that has been a standard for semi-tailored business
suits and shirts for some time now in Japan, the company says. According to
Shima, Wholegarment technology allows the knit version of this system to make
delivery within a fraction of the time required for cut-and-sewn suits and
shirts.
Shima says that such quick turnaround relies not only on
cutting-edge machinery, but the capability of its design system as well. At the
heart of the made-to-order concept is the company’s Ordermade software which is
featured on its SDS-ONE and SDS-ONE APEX apparel design systems. Ordermade
software features an extensive database of patterns and designs as well as pre-programmed
templates for size-grading, including irregular body sizes and shapes.
“Super-realistic knit simulations and 3D virtual sampling
functions allow accurate visual confirmation of the customer's selection.
Furthermore, easy operation without the need for extensive knowledge and
experience in knit programming allows retail workers to easily adopt the system
in their daily routine”, says Mr Karasuno.
Ordermade software is already in use at the company’s Factory
Boutique Shima, Shima Seiki’s retail site for real-world applications of Wholegarment
technology, in its hometown of Wakayama, Japan. Through its collaboration with
Takashimaya Department Stores, Shima Seiki takes this application a step
further by catering to a much larger and discerning metropolitan audience. By
demonstrating the Ordermade system to Takashimaya customers Shima intends to
increase public awareness of Wholegarment knitwear, giving consumers the chance
to experience the quality and benefits that Wholegarment knitwear provides. In
addition Shima hopes that the demonstration will serve as a business model for
knitwear producers interested in developing new markets for Wholegarment production.
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