The Impact of Technology on Garment Production

Usama Maqsood with a forward-thinking approach, Usama has been a driving force behind integrating technologies to revolutionise manu- facturing processes. Usama stands at the forefront of a global fashion manufacturing empire. With an educational background in international political economy, Usama brings a unique blend of academic acumen and business insight to the industry. Usama stands as a fervent advocate for the transformative power of technology within the garment industry.

In conversation with Prisila,Correspondent, Asia Business Outlook Magazine. Usama shared his views about the key challenges associated with integrating technology into garment production and the impact of robotics in garment manufacturing.

How has the traditional garment production process been transformed by recent technological advancements, and what are some specific technologies that have had a significant impact on this transformation?

There is no denying that we have seen an immense transformation in the traditional garment production process all thanks to the modern day technological advancements. Innovations that have had a significant impact on improving efficiency, sustainability and the ability to offer more diversity across product categories. Below are three specific technologies which I believe personally have had significant impact, at least for our business.

Enterprise Resource Planning

The use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), for any garment manufacturer is vital. There are many moving parts in the garments business, in order to be on top of everything and with lead times being a priority more than ever for fast fashion brands, It is essential that medium to large size enterprises start investing in software to help improve efficiency, and to start collecting data for analytics. We can learn a lot from the data that is collected and stored, we can rectify problems and quality issues that we may have faced before. We can see what sort of product categories are in demand and prepare accordingly for that season. Another significant reason (ERP) is so essential is for transparency and accountability within the business.

Automatic Sewing Machinery

Automatic and semi-automatic sewing machinery have revolutionised the garment manufacturing process, bringing about increased efficiency, precision, and productivity. The use of automation alongside, skilled work force has enabled our factories to manufacture a larger variety of product offerings. We also produce more fashionable, detailed and value-added products.

Sustainable Wash

Sustainable wash in garment production refers to the use of environmentally conscious and resource efficient technologies during the finishing and dyeing processes. Key elements of sustainable wash include water conservation, alternative dyeing methods, biodegradable finishes, recirculation systems, digital printing, enzyme-based processing, traceability and energy efficient machinery. We have already implemented most of the sustainable wash methods while some are in process of being implemented at Experience Group.

What are the key challenges associated with integrating technology into garment production, and how can they be addressed?

Integrating technology into garment production poses challenges that, if addressed strategically, can enhance efficiency and competitiveness. I have listed a few challenges that we have faced and may face in the future as we commit to further new technologies for our garment production.

• Initial Investment: Conduct a cost-benefit analysis, explore financing options, and leverage government incentives.
• Skilled Labor Shortage: Invest in employee training, collaborate with educational institutions, and offer competitive salaries.
• Legacy System Integration: Develop a phased integration plan and upgrade or replace outdated systems gradually.
• Data Security Concerns: Implement robust cybersecurity measures, educate employees, and conduct regular security audits.
• Resistance to Change: Foster a culture of innovation, provide comprehensive training, and highlight the benefits of technology adoption.
• Maintenance and Downtime: Implement proactive maintenance schedules, invest in reliable equipment, and establish contingency plans.
• Supply Chain Integration: Adopt collaborative platforms and industry standards for data exchange among supply chain stakeholders.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about regulations, ensure technology compliance, and establish internal protocols for documentation.

A successful approach involves not only adopting new tools but also fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement within the organisation.

Explain the concept of "smart textiles" and their potential applications in the garment industry.

The next step in clothing evolution is represented by smart textiles, which combine fabric and electronics to make clothes with extra utility. From a professional standpoint, I find myself fascinated by their capacity to completely transform the market just picture fitness apparel that monitors your performance or weather-responsive coats. For me, it's exciting to watch how they may transform fashion by introducing a new degree of sustainability and engagement. There are also a lot of fascinating applications in fashion. For instance, sportswear can give immediate feedback on muscular activity and posture, or a jacket with embedded heating components that can change its temperature in response to the outside conditions. Having followed the developments in this area, I regard smart textiles as a sustainable means of improving user experience in our day-to-day existence, not merely a trend. There is still a long way to go for smart textiles to be accessible for the masses as current product offerings have a high initial purchase price. However as a vertical garment and textile manufacturer the possibility of us producing in smart textiles not too far in the future truly does excite me, as we won’t just be a traditional garment producer but also a tech company.

Examine the impact of robotics in garment manufacturing. What tasks can robots perform, and how do they complement human labor in the production process?

The integration of robotics in garment manufacturing has significantly transformed the production landscape. Robots excel in tasks such as cutting, sewing, material handling, and quality control, automating repetitive and labor-intensive processes. Their precision and efficiency complement human labor by freeing workers from mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex aspects of production, ensuring higher quality, and contributing to greater overall efficiency. In essence, robots enhance the productivity and flexibility of garment manufacturing, creating a symbiotic relationship with human workers in the production process. As most of the world is concerned about robots taking over human jobs, I believe the only way forward is for robots and humans to evolve together to create an even more efficient and sustainable garment production process.

"Integrating technology into garment production poses challenges that, if addressed strategically, can enhance efficiency and competitiveness"

Discuss the concept of "fast fashion" and its relationship with technology. How does technology enable or constrain the fast fashion business model?

"Fast fashion" is a business model characterised by quick production cycles, rapid response to fashion trends, and low-cost, high-volume production. Technology plays a pivotal role in enabling and sometimes constraining the fast fashion model. For most fast fashion brands globally Bangladesh is a top sourcing destination for high-volume and low cost clothing.

Enablers of Fast Fashion:

1. Supply Chain Efficiency: Technology facilitates real-time tracking, data analytics, and automation, streamlining supply chains for faster production and delivery.

2. Digital Design and Prototyping: Advanced design software and 3D prototyping tools accelerate the design process, reducing time-to-market.

3. E-commerce Platforms: Online platforms leverage technology to connect with consumers directly, allowing for quick dissemination of trends and rapid product turnover.

4. Automation in Manufacturing: Robotics and automated machinery speed up production, enabling quick turnaround from design to finished product.

5. Data Analytics: Technology allows retailers to analyse consumer preferences and purchasing behaviour, informing inventory decisions and minimising overstock.

Constraints on Fast Fashion:

1. Environmental Impact: The fast fashion model, fuelled by rapid production and disposal, contributes to environmental concerns. Technology must be leveraged to develop sustainable practices and materials.

2. Over-reliance on Trends:  Rapid technological advancements may lead to an over-reliance on short-lived trends, challenging the sustainability of the business model.

3. Labor Conditions: Automation may reduce employment opportunities, and the pressure for quick turnaround times can lead to poor working conditions. Ethical use of technology is crucial.

In essence, technology acts as both an enabler and a constraint in the fast fashion business model. While it facilitates speed, efficiency, and connectivity, its responsible and sustainable application is imperative to address environmental and ethical challenges associated with this industry.