Profile of Tukatech: Pioneering Clothing Design Technology for Developing Countries

摘要

Tukatech is a leading developer and supplier of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology for the apparel supply chain. The company was founded in 1997 by Ram Sareen-an engineer and a former executive with Gerber Technology.Tukatech's products are used by a number of well known names in the industry-including Calvin Klein, Club Monaco, Gokaldas Images, Hanesbrands, Hirdaramani Group, Jockey, Li & Fung, Madison Maiden, Mandhana Industries, Orient Craft, Rampage, Richa & Co, Rocawear, SP Apparels, Speedo, The North Face, Triumph International, and Warnaco. Although the company has a number of competitors-notably Assyst Bullmer, Gerber Technology, GCL Distribution, Lectra Group, OptiTex, and PAD System-it has focused on developing simple-to-use computer-aided design (CAD) systems and offering them with built-in training and technical support. Furthermore, it operates a number of TUKAcenters, or "design cafes", around the world. These enable smaller companies and those in developing countries to benefit from Tukatech technology and software even though they can not afford to buy their own systems. Tukatech also offers a separate web-based computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology outsourcing arm, called TUKAweb.Tukatech's core product is a pattern design, grading and marker-making programme called TUKAcad, which can be enhanced for mass production by a powerful marker making programme called SMARTmark. Other products include TUKAplan product life cycle management (PLM) software, and TUKAstudio software for creating woven, knitted andjacquard designs. The company also has an award-winning 3D virtual apparel prototyping software package called e-fit Simulator. This is said to be the only 3D sample-making software with built-in, real-time motion simulation and 3D animation, and it allows samples to be emailed to others for viewing on Blackberries and iPhones. Another product, called TUKAforms, enables all companies in the supply chain to produce identical customised dress forms to ensure uniformity. Meanwhile TUKAtrack RFID-based software and hardware helps apparel firms to manage the progress of goods along the supply chain. One of Tukatech's most important contributions, however, is its education and training programme. As well as boosting the uptake of Tukatech systems, this is helping to address a global shortage of engineers and training facilities.