SBIR-STTR Award

Use of 3-D scanning systems for capture of human body dimensions is becoming prevalent. Incorporation of 3-D anthropometric data into the design process promises significant breakthroughs and benefits for a wide variety of industries and applications, including the Apparel industry. Despite clear customer satisfaction, quality, and cost benefits, however, the Apparel industry has been slow to adopt 3-D anthropometry in its design and manufacturing processes. This Phase 1 SBIR study will investigate new methods and tools that can help accelerate the incorporation of 3-D anthropometry into the Apparel industry design and manufacturing processes. The study will include an assessment of the typical design and manufacturing practices in use in the Apparel industry today, with emphasis on the use of sizing-related practices, information and tools. Industry research, interviews, "As-Is" business process descriptions, and assessment of the current technology landscape will be used to identify the factors inhibiting use of 3-D anthropometry. The study will identify and develop the conceptual design of new methods and tools to integrate 3-D anthropometry and identify and describe the key technical requirements for developing and integrating these solutions. Business, economic and technical feasibilities will be performed to assess the likelihood of industry adoption. Adoption of 3-D anthropometry will permit an Apparel manufacturer to respond to sophisticated customer expectations and drive more effective product development and supply chain workflows, while fostering a collaborative environment both within the enterprise and in the customer relationship. Those early adopters who have embraced mass customization are already experiencing higher gross profit margins, reduced inventory, fewer returns and increased customer satisfaction and intimacy. Accelerating this adoption rate is critical to the introduction of 3-D anthropometry in the industry.

Zweave can deliver breakthrough solutions, which address the most significant business challenges facing U.S. manufacturers of uniforms, apparel, and footwear. Zweave’s Phase I project revealed significant market demand for utilizing accurate 3-D anthropometric data in planning and design of uniforms, apparel and footwear products. Zweave’s solutions will help both commercial and military uniform, apparel and footwear product development executives implement 3-D collaborative product lifecycle management. This solution delivers cost savings, inventory reductions, strategic cycle time reductions, and improved domestic manufacturing capabilities. Zweave brings the expertise required to develop the solutions required by military uniform, apparel and footwear manufacturing organizations. The Zweave Phase II project team has unique specialization in Collaborative Product Lifecycle Management, 3-D CAD, advanced IT integration, and apparel product development. Zweave proposes a sound technical approach to deliver breakthrough software capabilities for a large, strategic vertical market by focusing on the essential industry functionality to extend the most functionally-advanced commercial 3-D CAD and PDM software platforms. Zweave’s proposed approach minimizes technical risk, offers higher functional capabilities and the most cost effective development. During Phase I, Zweave began executing a comprehensive commercialization strategy, which includes; early customer input, industry consortium, channel sales relationships, and direct sales activity.

Keywords:
Uniforms, Apparel, Footwear, 3-D Cad, Anthropometric, Plm, Pdm, Savings