Preproduction consumes up to 75% of the total product development timeline in apparel manufacturing, with the remaining time split between production and logistics. Each day saved in preproduction can lead to faster deliveries, reduced costs, improved cash flow, and a stronger competitive position. SHIMA SEIKI, a Japanese manufacturer known for computerized flat knitting machines, is addressing this challenge through digital product creation and simulation solutions centered on its APEXFiz® design software.
Digital Product Creation and Simulation
Digital product creation has long been promoted as a transformative tool in fashion development, promising improved speed, reduced costs, and support for sustainability. SHIMA SEIKI highlights that the true value lies in connecting digital products directly to manufacturing, setting it apart from traditional 3D design workflows. The company’s strategy revolves around APEXFiz, which supports the entire process from planning and design through digital sampling and production.
With APEXFiz, yarn manufacturers can digitize and share yarn data through the yarnbank® digital yarn sourcing web service. This enables brands to create realistic virtual products based on actual yarn characteristics. The design process generates technical data for production, which can be shared with manufacturing partners. This allows for earlier evaluation of manufacturability and a smoother transition to production. When all stakeholders work from the same digital product information, suppliers assess feasibility sooner, communication improves, and development cycles shorten significantly.
SHIMA SEIKI’s Datamall™ digital content web service further accelerates innovation by providing access to a wide range of knitting data and design assets usable within APEXFiz. Partnerships with industry leaders strengthen this digital-to-production workflow. For example, collaboration with CLO Virtual Fashion connects 3D garment design, knit simulation, and manufacturing, while a partnership with Lonati extends this approach to the sock industry via integration with ORION software.
Real-World Impact and AI Integration
A premium knitwear manufacturer previously required four to five rounds of physical sampling before approving a product. After implementing SHIMA SEIKI’s digital design and simulation technologies, sampling was reduced to one or two iterations in many cases. Digital samples are now used for design evaluation, approvals, and production communication, improving first-sample accuracy, reducing yarn consumption, and shortening development lead times. Processes that once took over a month can now be completed digitally in days.
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Artificial intelligence is becoming integral to product development. SHIMA SEIKI is developing NEURALKNIT.AI®, a family of AI solutions tailored for knitwear. Unlike general AI tools, NEURALKNIT.AI® generates highly realistic knitwear visuals that support concept development and design exploration. The company aims to use AI to strengthen connections between product planning, design, and manufacturing, creating a more seamless workflow.
In India, one of the fastest-growing knitwear markets, manufacturers seek faster development cycles, modern yet affordable technology, higher productivity with less labor dependence, and premium products. SHIMA SEIKI responds with the N.SSR model machine, offering affordability and versatility, and the N.SVR series, which supports innovative techniques like i-Plating®. This technique enables jacquard-like effects with lower yarn consumption.
Seamless Knitting and Market Expansion
SHIMA SEIKI’s WHOLEGARMENT® technology stands out by knitting entire garments in three dimensions without sewing. This method reduces material waste, eliminates sewing processes, and shortens production lead times. It also enables innovative designs that are challenging to achieve with conventional methods.
SHIMA SEIKI’s Digital Solutions for Knitwear Manufacturers
APEXFiz®, SHIMA SEIKI’s design software, is central to these efforts. It allows users to create realistic digital samples using actual yarn data, connecting digital development directly to production. Available through annual subscriptions, APEXFiz® supports various textiles, including woven and circular knit fabrics, socks, embroidery, and towels, and integrates with other 3D tools for flexible workflows. This software, combined with the company’s focus on speed and sustainability, helps manufacturers meet the evolving demands of the knitwear industry.
Addressing India’s Knitwear Needs
SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD., recognized as a pioneer in digital product creation for knitwear, continues to drive innovation under the principles of “SMART, SPEEDY, and SUSTAINABLE.” With APEXFiz® and its suite of digital tools, it supports the entire knit production process, from planning to production. Its annual subscription model and range of software packages ensure accessibility for various design and development needs, cementing its role as a leader in fashion’s digital transformation.
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