e-Textiles and Clothing

Today’s successful retail companies can take a garment from concept to the shelf in 10 days. Developing country producers need to adopt to the changing environment by integrating e-applications into their business plan.

Key information technologies are changing the T&C trade. This includes coding and point-of-sale scanning, electronic data interchange (EDI), and automated distribution centres to handle small restocking orders, etc. Other examples for already existing e-applications are Internet based CAD/CAM operations, or closed Internet auctions by major retailers such as Carrefour or Walmart. Moreover, future applications are already appearing on the horizon. The EU, for example, has launched a new research project for the future of the T&C industry in Europe. This includes 3D body measurement applications, mass customisation approaches, advanced CAD and e-commerce technologies in the European fashion industry.

However, many developing country producers are not aware of the ongoing changes in the market and future challenges. While the 2005 quota issue is well known, the changes this implies, especially with regard to e-applications and the internet, are not well understood.

E-applications are not yet regarded as an enabling technology, a powerful set of tools that can, and in fact, need to be utilized to survive in an ever-increasing competitive scenario after 2005.

Click here for ITC's 'Get Connected: 'E' Applications in the Textiles and Clothing Sector 

Click here for the Textiles and Clothing web site.