Cologne, May 10, 2006 – Lectra, the world leader in software, CAD/CAM equipment and related services dedicated to the fashion businesses, will preview its 3D virtual prototyping solution at the IMB 2006 trade show in Cologne, Germany from May 10 to 13. This solution is a major CAD breakthrough for design and engineering departments. 

 

The integration of 3D prototyping and product visualization solutions into the collections development and marketing cycle will enable fashion companies to shorten lead times and reduce development costs while facilitating collaborative work and decision-making between all involved participants. 

 

This 3D virtual prototyping solution is the result of eight years of development. 

 

“Prototyping is a fundamental step in the product development cycle, and constitutes a key factor in the success of a collection,” declares Antoine Bertier, Lectra’s Director of Software R&D. “Our innovative solution provides fashion companies with an additional competitive advantage in a context of increasingly demanding consumers.” 

 

 

Lectra’s 3D virtual prototyping solution is destined for pattern designers, stylists, developers, and marketing and sales teams. 

 

Associating 2D patterns, fabric information and 3D virtual models, this solution will enable simulation of styles, fabrics, motifs and color ranges. It will allow pattern designers to check garment fit in various fabrics and sizes. Furthermore, it will reduce the time and cost of product specification and validation process by reducing the number of physical prototypes required and by facilitating communication between brands and subcontractors, regardless of their number and location. 

 

 

Lener Cordier is a French specialist in the conception, production and manufacturing of women’s ready-to-wear. The company has used Lectra’s 3D virtual prototyping solution for several months. 

 

“Product conception and design is, in part, at the heart of our business. That’s where 3D makes the difference,” declared Frédéric Lener, CEO of Lener Cordier. “Lectra’s 3D virtual prototyping solution will allow us to visualize initial prototypes without having to physically produce them. This accelerates its availability. Virtual prototyping also helps us to make certain adjustments.” 

 

 

This 3D virtual prototyping solution—to be released in the last quarter of 2006—capitalizes on more than 30 years of experience that Lectra has acquired in the fashion market. 

 

The solution will complete Lectra’s offering for design, development, manufacturing and product lifecycle management (PLM), as it integrates easily with the company’s world-renowned pattern-design solutions. In a future version it will be linked to Lectra’s recently-released PLM offering—which represents a unique, revolutionary and innovative solution. 

 

 

“Lectra continues to evolve each of its business applications in close partnership with its customers, as technology represents a key factor for boosting the dynamism of the entire fashion sector,” stated Daniel Harari, Lectra’s CEO. “Previewed at the IMB show—which provides fashion professionals with an exclusive opportunity to discover our latest innovations—this 3D virtual prototyping solution constitutes a major breakthrough for the sector. By improving the design and development of garments, it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the success of fashion companies.” 

 

Lectra’s R&D budget (€18.5 million) represented 8.8% of total 2005 revenues. With 200 engineers and technicians (13% of the company’s total workforce), Lectra confirms its priority focus on innovation in consolidating the company’s technological leadership.