Overcoming the challenges of sportswear and outdoor apparel with Lectra’s cutting room

Driven by several market trends, such as the casualization of fashion since the COVID-19 pandemic, easier access to sporting events, and a bigger global focus on health, fashion consumers are increasingly blurring the line between everyday fashion and active wear. 

According to McKinsey & Company, 90% of sportswear companies expect steady or increased sales in the coming year. While fashion companies are keen to capitalize on this momentum, manufacturers face several challenges in producing technical wear, which demands even greater cutting speed, precision and quality.

1. Managing technical fabric
   Technical materials used in sportswear and outdoor apparel are typically lightweight, breathable, stretch and/or resistant to extreme weather conditions. 
   To work effectively with these diverse fabrics, manufacturers must possess specialized equipment and capabilities to reduce waste with improved accuracy and precision.
    

   

2. Handling fluctuating orders in the era of nearshoring
   Due to their experience during COVID-19, fashion companies now prefer to de-risk their supply chain by not depending on one sole region for production, but several closer to home. 
   To keep pace with rising and unpredictable order volumes, manufacturers must embrace digitalization and streamline their operations—to gain the agility needed to meet evolving consumer demands.

To succeed in today’s difficult business environment, manufacturers need to minimize material waste, maximize material efficiency and accelerate production – all while maintaining quality and adhering to safety standards. With Lectra’s technology, you can automate and simplify your entire cutting process from planning to production, and make smart decisions that will lay the foundation for long-term success. 

1.  Become more cost-efficient by implementing sustainable cutting processes
   • Eliminate paper and plastic usage and lower energy consumption 

   • Achieve the lowest cost per cut part and make informed cost-saving decisions

     

2. Streamline order management for higher efficiency and profitability
   • Respond to quotes quickly 
   • Generate cutting orders faster and speed up production 
     
      
3. Ensure uninterrupted production to stay on schedule 
   • Anticipate technical issues
   • Reduce the risk of downtime and maximize machine availability

To find out more about Lectra’s cutting room offering, download our factsheet.