#Software

2020-02-27

Gerber’s innovation center empowers the digitization of the furniture industry

The Gerber Innovation Center in New York City opened for the furniture industry on February 19th with a one-of-a-kind microfactory experience. The undisputed leader of connected platforms hosted a full day of workshops, live demonstrations, and customer case studies to discuss the current challenges the furniture industry is experiencing with customization. Gerber demonstrated how companies of all sizes can conquer customization, creativity, speed and eCommerce challenges by integrating their entire process from design through production using the latest software and hardware solutions.

“Gerber’s furniture microfactory experience is unlike anything else,” said Ketty Pillet, Vice President of Marketing at Gerber Technology. “We designed this experience for the furniture manufacturers to be able to actually experience the on-demand process from design to print to production, leveraging the latest innovative technology.”

Like all industries, upholstered furniture is currently seeing a large demand for customized products and faster delivery times, causing a bind for companies who are still relying on manual processes. Those who fail to digitize supply chains relatively soon will continue to struggle as Gen Z, a generation who chooses to ignore predefined trends, starts to enter the furniture market.

The event was truly an end-to-end experience with an overview of industry trends and challenges, a customer testimonial from Bassett Furniture, and several presentations on the most innovative technology including CAD, digital printing, automated cutting, and even a laser solution from Virtek which aids in assembly.

During their all-day event, Gerber showed just how quickly on-demand manufacturing can happen by leveraging their integrated and connected platform to develop customized seats and pillows. The integrated solution, which features the latest in pattern making, digital printing, and IoT enabled digital cutting, streamlines the entire process and allows the company to remain both cost effective and sustainable by connecting different groups of users. The company also announced the launch of AccuMark February 2020 for the furniture industry which will allow them to reduce their time to market and allow for more creativity with a digital printing embedded process.

"Gerber’s solutions have helped us dramatically improve our process by reducing costly mistakes,” said Roger Leonhardt of Bassett Furniture. “Since using their software, we’re saving as much as 1 to 1.5 yards for every mistake that is prevented, which is up to $20,000 in savings.”

One of the biggest values of Gerber’s platform is its ability to connect the print-to-cut process. As Mike Sanders of Top Value Fabrics stated, digital printing is a crucial component for on-demand production because it allows a designer to take their artwork and turn it into a unique decor piece that no one else has. By implementing a digital printing process, designers are able to do any quantities of yardage in as many colors as they like with photo exact prints, unleashing creativity.

“Digital printing is so much further along than I thought,” said Bruce Beamer of Teknion Limited as he watched vibrantly printed textiles pass from the Kornit Presto direct-to-textile printer to the GERBERcutter® Z1. “Today’s event has really educated me on the latest technologies out there, some of which I was not aware of."

The Z1 is equipped with Gerber’s PrintSync device which integrates the printing and cutting process into one step, allowing for shorter lead times and reduced labor costs. The device can connect with any direct-to-textile printer with in-line drying capability.

Mango joins TextileGenesis pioneering traceability solution, a Lectra company, for a transparent value chain

Mango, one of the leading international fashion groups, has joined TextileGenesis, the pioneering traceability solution for the fashion and textile industries, to trace their natural and animal fibers, synthetics, man-made cellulosic fibers and leather. TextileGenesis, a Lectra company, offers a complete and secure cutting-edge technology with its six-dimensional (6D) offering and unique “fiber forwards” approach. Mango, has long been committed to maintaining a fully transparent supply chain, and TextileGenesis will reinforce this commitment.

Embee International Selects Coats Digital’s GSDCost Solution to Drive Accuracy, Efficiency, and Global Competitiveness

Coats Digital is pleased to announce that leading global apparel manufacturer, Embee International Industries, has implemented Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution across its operations to eliminate inaccurate costing, streamline production processes, and boost competitiveness in international markets. The move forms a key part of Embee International’s digital transformation strategy to drive greater efficiency, improve quality, and strengthen partnerships with its portfolio of top global brands.

Innovation and customer proximity – KARL MAYER’s clear focus makes an impression

ITMA ASIA in Singapore was a resounding success for KARL MAYER, exceeding all expectations. The company welcomed visitors from 39 countries and held around 570 expert discussions. Most guests came from India, followed by China, Indonesia and Pakistan. The exchange with them was both well-founded and targeted. Conversation topics ranged from investment projects and new technologies to opportunities for cooperation and business expansion.

Catching heart disease early with AI-based sensor system

It slips on like a normal vest: Fraunhofer IZM has created a smart sensor system in cooperation with the Charité and the Technical University of Berlin. The vest records a vast array of cardiovascular parameters, which an AI-based system uses to support medical diagnostics and spot potentially dangerous developments.