Importance of computer in field of fashion

designing in apparel industrial

Over the decades computers and fashion have developed gradually,

changed with time, taste and trend. Computer technology is making waves
in the fashion design zone. From determining textile weaves to sizing
designs; computers are a vital component of the fashion industry.

Computer-aided design (CAD), also known as computer-aided design and

drafting (CADD), is the use of computer technology for the process of
design and design-documentation. Computer aided design (CAD) programs
reduce the demand for manual sketches. New software programs continue
to replace old manual skills.

Software can help students draw, create woven textures, drape models
to create patterns, adjust sizes and even determine fabric colors. By
Introducing this technological aspect will enable students to understand a
lot better and try various combinations in their design. When a company
becomes bigger, it is impossible to manage the business without
technology . In such cases companies become depended on IT- based

Computer aided design (CAD) programs reduce the demand for manual sketches.
New software programs continue to replace old manual skills. Going by the
wayside are "old fashioned" flat pattern construction, pencil sketching and
traditional math-based pattern sizing. Those who lag in math and falter at
sketching can now breathe a little easier.
Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer. CADD
software, or environments, provides the user with input-tools for the purpose of
streamlining design processes; drafting, documentation, and manufacturing
processes. CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional
(2D) space; or curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) objects.
Although most designers initially sketch designs by hand, a growing number also
translate these hand sketches to the computer.
CAD allows designers to view designs of clothing on virtual models and in various
colors and shapes, thus saving time by requiring fewer adjustments of prototypes
and samples later. Most fashion design colleges, however, still teach traditional
design methods, including manual flat pattern construction, draping and line
drawing. No doubt that learning of these methods are essential for having a good
idea about fashion design but Cutting-edge education also focuses on computer
aided methods of design.
By Introducing this technological aspect will enable students to understand a lot
better and try various combinations in their design. This also cuts down the time
factor i.e. by use of CAD methods students can learn a lot faster and more
software in less time but Fashion Design is not an easy profession.

The textile and apparel industry comprises a complex network of interrelated sectors that
produce fibers, spin yarns, fabricate cloth, and dye/finish/print and manufacture apparel.
Computer technology is one of the most important tools contributing to the significant
advancement of this industry. In fact, according to national Knitwear Association of US, of 228
Apparel manufacturers---

65% use CAD to create color ways

60% use CAD to create printed fabric design

48% use CAD to create merchandising presentation

41% use CAD to create Knitwear design Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use
of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or
optimization of a design. CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the
designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through
documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing.

Types of CAD Systems

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2.
3.
4.
5.

Textile design systems

Knitted fabrics
Printed fabrics
Illustrations/ Sketch Pad Systems
Texture Mapping: 3D Draping Software

6.

Embroidery systems

Textile Design Systems:

Woven textiles are used by designers and merchandisers for fabrics for home
furnishing and to men-women-children wear. Most fabrics whether yarn dyes,
plain weaves, jacquards or dobbies can be designed and in fact are invariably
used abroad using a CAD system for textiles. Similarly embroideries are also
developed at CAD workstations.

Knitted Fabrics:
Some systems specialize in knitwear production and final knitted design can be
viewed on screen with indication of all stitch formation. For instance a CAD
program will produce a pullover graph that will indicate information on amount of
yarn needed by color for each piece. Another example of the new technology in
the industries using a yarn scanner, which is attached to the computer scans a
thousand meters of yarn and then simulates a knitted/ woven fabric on-screen.
This simulation will show how the fabric will look like if woven from that yarn.

Printed Fabrics:
The process involves use of computers in design, development and manipulation
of motif. The motif can then be resized, recoloured, rotated or multiplied
depending on the designers goal. The textile design system can show color ways

in an instant rather than taking hours needed for hand painting. New systems are
coming which have built-in software to match swatch color to screen color to
printer color automatically i.e. what you see is what you get.

Illustrations/ Sketch Pad Systems:

These are graphic programmes that allow the designer to use pen or stylus on
electronic pad or tablet thereby creating freehand images, which are then stored
in the computer. The end product is no different from those sketches made on
paper with pencil. Different knit and weave simulations can be stored in a library
and imposed over these sketches to show texture and dimensions.

Texture Mapping: 3D Draping Software:

This technology allows visualization of fabric on the body. Texture mapping is a
process by which fabric can be draped over a form in a realistic way. The designer
starts with an image of a model wearing a garment. Each section of the garment
is outlined from seam line to seam line. Then a swatch of new fabric created in
textile design system is laid over the area and the computer automatically fills in
the area with new color. The result is the original silhouette worn by original
model in a new fabric.

Embroidery systems:
The designs used for embroidery can be in corporate on the fabric for making
garment. For this special computerized embroidery machines are used. Designers
can create their embroidery designs or motifs straight on the computer. All they
need to do is design color and stitch to different parts of the design.

Apparel industry and computer

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Digitizing systems
Grading systems
Marker making systems
Cutting operations
Marketing integration using computer
Internet and information explosion

Digitizing systems:

Digitizer put original patterns into the computer for use and storage. It can be
done by defining the X, Y coordinates of series of selected points around the
pattern. These basic patterns can be manipulated with the help of a computer, for
example in case of trousers, darts can be moved, pleates can be created. In this
way new designs can be created on screen from pre-existing pattern.

Grading systems:

After a sample size pattern has been put, it has to be graded up and down on
size. Certain points on the pattern are considered as growth points or places at
which the pattern has to be increased or decreased to accommodate changing
body size. At each growth point the operator indicates the grade rule to the
computer. The system will then automatically produce the pattern shapes in all

the pre-specified sizes. Say if we define pattern for size 30, it can be easily
graded for size 32/34/36 and so on.
Marker making systems: Computerized marker making systems help in
laying the pattern part together more economically than an operator could hands.
This ensures minimum wastage of fabric. On plain fabric this is relatively simple
but on striped fabric also automatic matching is done by the computer.

Cutting operations:
Pattern generated by marker making systems can be directed to automated
cutting machines which are operated without the help of human hands.

Marketing integration using computer:

Designer is in direct contact with the customer and also the manufacturer to be
aware of the latest trends and also needs and demands of the customer.

Internet and information explosion:

NIFT, Calcutta is linked to internet with TCP/IP account and students have
continuous access to the sites of the top designers, trend forecasting agencies,
fashion houses and fabric suppliers. This has helped both the institute and the
students immensely keeping them updated with the latest trends. MIS system
MIS system for the company is developed using programs, which help to develop
daily reports and data analysis.

Standard time calculation software

This technology is used to establish the standard time of garment operations. It
helps in calculating labour cost and product cost. It is also used in improving and
standardising production methods.

Overhead material movement systems

This is the technology to improve material handling on the sewing floor; by using
this you can increase the productivity of the factory.

ERPs
ERPs (Electronic Resource Planning) are available for inventory control,
merchandising HR solutions and all other processes.

Real time production tracking system

This system tracks shop floor data on a real time basis. Bar code technology and
RFID technology are used in real time production tracking.
Production planning and control software
This technology is used to production and pre- production activity scheduling,
production planning monitoring production process.