TECHNOLOGY
Tukatech Takes Collaboration to the Cloud
Los Angeles–based apparel software and equipment solutions provider Tukatech has introduced a cloud-based Virtual Sample solution to allow apparel makers to accelerate the approval process when developing product.
Rather than emailing digital samples as attachments, Tuka3D users can store 3-D samples in the Virtual Sample solution by company division, brand, season and product type. Other information—including the flat pattern, fabric information and measurement chart—are stored alongside the information for ready access.
“The hardest thing is communicating fashion on paper with sketches and instructions,” said Ram Sareen, founder and chief executive officer of Tukatech, in a company statement.
If designers wait until the first sample arrives to make changes, the approval process could take up to a month. With cloud-based collaboration, the entire supply chain can be visually connected and communicate more efficiently, Sareen said.
The Timex Group manufactures nearly 1,000 new styles per month for brands such as Elie Tahari, Maggy London, Polo, Stein Mart and Chico’s.
“Without getting faster design and approval, we simply could not be in the fashion business,” said Timex Managing Director Arshad Sattar. “Designers are looking at uploaded samples at their convenience anywhere using mobile or other devices. They can see the 3-D sample—zoom, pan, rotate the sample, just like they will in real life on a real person. In addition, there is a video showing how garment and fabric drapes, in tension and X-ray mode, enabling the viewer to see if there are any fit issues. All the colorways, print and embroidery placement can also be viewed. Upon analyzing the 3-D sample and the video, they can make comments, and the system automatically informs the patternmaker, who can … make the required corrections and send the new sample almost immediately.”
Tuka3D has more than 500 fit models of brands and retailers developed from scans or measurements. The software also has a library of 150 digital fabrics as well as “hundreds of appropriate motions for real-time evaluation of fit.” Tuka3D comes with Tukadesign, Tukatailor, eFit, eDesign and eCommerce modules as well as training, implementation and support.
