„A successful cooperation often starts with a good idea. The foundation for such an idea is usually built on the vision to improve a current status – or to optimize or to develop further.“ states Thomas Graupner, Director IT and CIO at OLYMP Bezner KG.
Driven by the thrive for further development, the existing design tool for developing wovens in the design department of OLYMP was examined carefully. Based on positive experience of the past which the Senior Designer at OLYMP Signature already had with EAT DesignScope software, EAT was contacted for the first time in May 2016 and initial conversations began.
The decision to intend implementing a new design tool at OLYMP was a cornerstone for starting an innovative product development. So expectations towards this new software were high. In the selection process for a solution, EAT DesignScope was able to convince primarily with the following points:
The ongoing exchange between the responsible IT digitalization department at OLYMP and EAT quickly determined the willingness to improve the system continuously and to develop it further according to customers requirements and desires.
The initial positive perception had proven OLYMP right while co-operating with EAT. Hence the decision to employ EAT DesignScope software was made in 2019.
After the successful transition to EAT DesignScope Software for the complete design process at OLYMP, CAD/CAM solutions and different simulation programs are now being utilized on a daily basis. Also, the EAT DesignBase has been implemented into the workflow as a central data storage platform for all wovens.
Thomas Graupner: „A successful cooperation is founded on permanent forward motion on both ends.“ After the switch to the new designing tool, EAT and OLYMP initiated further in-depth exchange. OLYMP for years has been striving for digital product development – and therefore a product display based on 3D data. Due to the extensive product palette at OLYMP – containing circular and warp knitted items and also print motifs – the call for an adequate knitting module needed to be heard. The customer’s desire was to be enabled to display all product categories with their designs.
Graupner continues, „Thanks to the constructive spirit and an open dialogue between EAT and OLYMP, a circular and warp knitting simulation including the integration of print motifs was developed during the running process, enabling OLYMP to simulate sweaters and fabrics for T-Shirts and knitted items – going far beyond just simulating shirting fabrics.“ Digitalization at OLYMP – Cooperation as an innovation base
Color and color adjustment play a decisive role at OLYMP. Deepening the cooperation, additional development steps were taken to integrate OLYMP‘s own color data base into the system. This was complemented by integrating the print motifs into the simulation – ready for output and display in the desired collection colors.
To top off the process steps so far, a central interface between EAT and the newly developed PLM system on OLYMP’s end was created in 2020. This new workflow represents all steps in the process that EAT is involved in: from initial weave development via woven fabric display all the way to producing the material.
Intense and in-depth cooperation can lead to innovative results, supporting the progress of both companies. OLYMP was able to integrate a reliable visualization and simulation of the designing process into their workflow, reaching as far the PLM program and setting the foundation for later 3D displays. EAT and OLYMP will continue to follow this path and strengthen their lead in efficiency and innovation. EAT explicitly thanks OLYMP for this opportunity and is eagerly looking forward to the continued cooperation.
OLYMP Bezner KG in Bietigheim-Bissingen near Stuttgart is the market leader for men’s shirts in Germany. Beyond this, their high class garment product palette is sold in more than 40 countries worldwide. www.OLYMP.com