Leading flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan announces the release of its new “APEXFizTM” subscription-based design software. APEXFizTM is intended to aid in the digital transformation of the fashion industry.
APEXFizTM is the latest addition to SHIMA SEIKI’s proven SDS®-onE APEX series design system lineup, but with an unprecedented twist. Whereas previous APEX-series design systems were offered as an all-in-one proprietary hard- ware/software package, for the first time in its nearly 40 years of design system development, SHIMA SEIKI has released its new APEXFizTM as subscription-based design software that can be installed on customers’ individual com- puters. Maintaining proven functions that have made the APEX series so popular with fashion designers, with APEXFizTM those strengths are now enhanced with the added versatility to adapt to different work styles and business environ- ments of the “new normal,” including teleworking and telecommuting. APEXFizTM is furthermore available in 5 different product variations that can be selected according to the customer’s needs, from APEXFizTM Design Jr. to APEXFizTM Design Pro.
APEXFizTM software supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, real- istic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. otherwise known as “digital twins,” virtual samples are a digitized ver- sion of sample making that allows visual confirmation of garment designs without the need for knitting physical sam- ples. Virtual sampling on APEXFizTM is also a communication tool that is not only an accurate representation of the product, but it also digitally bridges the gap between the studio and the factory. By sending data to the knit manufac- turer it can be converted to machine programming data, shortening lead times and allowing the production of items faithful to their design as originally intended by the designer. This accuracy allows virtual samples on APEXFizTM to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that are otherwise wasted. APEXFizTM thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain.
APEXFizTM is supported by two other web services to enhance its user experience. “yarnbankTM” is the world’s first online web service for searching and viewing the latest yarns, developed with cooperation from yarn companies from around the world. Registered users can download yarn data for free, for use in fabric simulation and virtual sam- pling on APEXFizTM, avoiding the need to scan yarn on their own. By using yarn that is used in actual production, design- ers and apparel companies can furthermore rest assured that the simulations created using yarn from yarnbankTM are not merely realistic images but accurate representations using yarn that can actually be purchased and used in produc- tion. “SHIMAnAVITM” e-learning system allows APEXFizTM users to experience online training when and where it is con- venient, and at their own pace, supporting "new normal: work styles. SHIMAnAVI features several courses available in different languages to suit the needs of individual customers as well.
www.shimaseiki.co.jp
