The way forward for fashion retailers, brands and manufacturers today is to deliver products and services laced with innovation and speed through the use of technology in the entire supply chain. Leveraging AI, data analytics and social platforms to spot trends and understand consumer preferences, along with incorporating AR/VR/3D rendering solutions to convey designs, amps up the collaborative game between manufacturers and brands. This not only speeds up decision-making but also accelerates production.
Ensuring to deep dive into these latest and upcoming technologies and exploring collaborations between tech providers and the apparel industry, Apparel Resources continues to serve Bangladesh. After the grand success of its first edition in Bengaluru (India) last year, ‘Fashion Tech Week’ (FTW), the pioneering event at the nexus of fashion and technology, is all set for its debut Dhaka edition, scheduled to take place on 15th and 16th May 2024, at Radisson Blu. This event promises an immersive experience for attendees, opening the doors to the exciting world of fashion tech.
Over two action-packed days, this technology extravaganza will bring together more than 40 technology companies as Partners and Sponsors, alongside a lineup of over 50 Speakers, benefiting the entire fashion supply chain. This unique gathering of industry leaders will offer an unparalleled opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking and business development, further solidifying FTW’s reputation as a driving force in fostering collaboration and growth in the fashion and apparel industry through innovative technologies.
Fashion Tech Week serves as a crucial platform for fashion technology providers to discuss the ever-evolving innovations in manufacturing, retail, marketing and wearables. The theme of FTW ‘24 revolves around the four pillars of Explore, Learn, Collaborate and Network.
Explore: FTW ‘24 allows you to explore and gain knowledge about a range of brands, innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies. The expo area of the event will include the newest technologies revolutionising the fashion industry such as predictive analytics and on-demand production.
Learn: Attend sessions that are focused on innovation, offering a great lineup of Tech Panel, Tech Huddle, Tech Podium and Tech Spotlight. Engage in these experiential sessions to take back learning that shows how technology integrates smoothly with the fashion industry.
Collaborate: Collaborate with fellow attendees to brainstorm innovative solutions. These sessions are dynamic and interactive. Discuss breakthrough ideas, disruptive technologies and creative approaches. Innovation thrives when minds come together, sparking new possibilities.
Network: Network with stalwarts from influential companies such as H&M, Levi Strauss & Co, Being Human, ORYX- a division of Franko Ltd., and many more. FTW ’24 offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and business growth.
‘Expo Zone’ to entice visitors with cutting-edge tech displays
FTW ’24 is more than merely a networking and showcasing opportunity; it’s a knowledge-packed experience where participants can engage, deliberate and unveil their technological breakthroughs to the fashion industry.
The expo zone of the event will be demonstrating technologies such as on-demand manufacturing, Industry 4.0, predictive analytics, trend forecasting, virtual fitting rooms, customer engagement and experiential buying through technologies like AI/ML/AR/VR, 3D, IoT, edge computing, blockchain, smart textiles robotics and NFTs amongst many others.
Speakers aim to discuss tech-driven solutions for industry’s challenges
FTW ’24 aims at preparing the industry to deliver innovation with speed through digitalisation of the entire supply chain.
These sessions will delve into real-world use cases, illuminating how technology can seamlessly harmonise with the world of fashion!
The conference zone will include 25+ industry-focused knowledge-sharing seminars/workshops so that apparel manufacturers, retailers and designers can have greater insights on how technology helps streamline processes in various realms of the fashion supply chain.
Here are a few Tech Panels/Tech Huddles/Masterclasses/Tech Podiums that FTW ’24 will be hosting:
- AI Revolution in Sourcing: The Next Big Thing
- Reimagining Textile Sourcing Strategies of Bangladesh
- Industry 4.0 in Apparel Manufacturing: Dream to Reality
- 3D Garment Visualisation: Are We Not Ready for It?
- Limitless 3D Possibilities for Fashion Industry
- Logistics 4.0: Smart Warehousing Leads to Operational Excellence
- Real Time Data: A Digital Transformation Roadmap for Manufacturing
- On-Demand Manufacturing and Bangladesh: Feasibility and Opportunities
- Traceability for Ensuring Sustainability
- Go Green with Tech
- New Materials, New Opportunities
- Exploring Bangladesh’s Untapped Potential: Innovations in Alternative Fabrics
- Intelligent Store: Enhancing Consumers’ Experience with Tech-Integration
- Fashioning the Algorithms: Understanding the Implications of AI
- Role of TIC Services in Revamping Textile Supply Chain
- Go Global with Your Brand
AOB ‘40 Under 40’ Young Leaders – Powered by FTW ’24
FTW ’24 Dhaka will witness the launch of Apparel Online Bangladesh (AOB) ‘40 Under 40’ awards. Having established itself as a prominent B2B fashion media house for more than a decade in Bangladesh, Apparel Resources has observed the ebb and flow of the RMG manufacturers in the country.
Now, the reins are passing to ‘Next-Gen’ entrepreneurs who are excelling in propelling the legacy forward with innovative business concepts.
With this flagship initiative of ‘40 Under 40’, AOB aims to recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements of young leaders in the RMG industry of Bangladesh. The awards seek to honour individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and impact within the sector, setting the stage for continued growth and excellence.
The AOB ‘40 Under 40’ – Powered by FTW award ceremony to felicitate the business leaders, will be held on the evening of 15th May at Radisson Blu.
| FTW ’24 DhakaGet ready to explore the world of Fashion Tech |
MEET THE PARTNERS
CLO Virtual Fashion: From concept to design, manufacturing to marketing and fitting to styling
Having evolved from the word ‘clothing’, CLO Virtual Fashion’s mission is to empower every step of the garment journey from concept to design, manufacturing to marketing and fitting to styling. With more than 20 years of research and development in accurate garment simulation, CLO is leading the market by converging all aspects related to digital garments through its state-of-the-art 3D cloth simulation algorithm.
CLO’s ecosystem includes 3D garment design software, digital asset management and a collaborative design platform, along with consumer offerings such as e-commerce virtual fittings. All of CLO’s products and services are interconnected to create a seamless user experience.
CLO Virtual Fashion aims to virtualise every single garment on earth. With 12 offices worldwide, the company ensures its global presence.
Product portfolio for RMG industry:
3D Design Software – CLO (for apparel designers and fashion brands)
Virtual Collaboration and Creation Workspace – CLO-SET
Integration plug-in system – CLO-Vise
CLO bridges the gap between designers, technical designers, 3D modellers, merchandisers, sourcing and suppliers with 3D renderings accessible in one centralised digital space.
The CLO-Vise plug-in integrates CLO and PLM solutions to facilitate data exchange and reduce distribution time.
True-to-life 3D garments created in CLO make it easy to fine-tune the fit of designs, even for drape-sensitive fabrics like lightweight woven and jerseys.
With accurate digital samples, designers can explore every idea and inspiration freely in the most sustainable way.
Weaving new possibilities, the company recently released CLO 2024.0, its latest version. As part of its ongoing efforts to improve the RMG industry’s experience and streamline its services, CLO introduced the CLO-SET account for all CLO Virtual Fashion products (CLO, CLO-SET, CONNECT, MD, Jinny).
The new version also helps users create realistic knitwear with a variety of stitching. At the same time, CLO now supports USD (Universal Scene Description) files, allowing industry professionals to create with even more flexibility.It also provides an enhanced experience of the CLO interface with improved consistency, high visibility colours and cleaner fonts.
By touching each and every step of the journey of a garment, CLO envisions its technology and solutions to create a new ecosystem that brings countless benefits to the industry. Building efficient and sustainable workflow, reducing production time and cost, enabling higher accuracy and quality, CLO’s solutions are leading in innovation where every real garment is tagged to a virtual garment and vice versa.
Marvelous Designer, the cutting-edge 3D design software by CLO Virtual Fashion, and its Founder Jaden Oh have recently clinched the prestigious Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This recognition underscores the software’s innovative contribution to film, gaming, and VFX industries. Marvelous Designer revolutionises digital costume construction with its pattern-based methodology, seamlessly blending design and visualisation while offering a virtual counterpart to traditional tailoring techniques.
According to Harsh Kumar, Business Development Manager, CLO Virtual Fashion, “We have been operating in the Bangladesh Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry for many years now, expanding our client base through strategic partnerships and providing a full, transformative 3D eCLOsystem of products and solutions to partners and top exporting industrial groups in the country. These partners and groups are not only leaders in the RMG sector but also represent a significant portion of the industry’s output, making them key players in our expansion strategy.”
CLO’s existing customer base includes some of the largest RMG exporters in Bangladesh such as Youngone Corporation, Ha-Meem Group, Bitopi, Padma, Asmara, ZXY, Fakir Apparels, Urmi Group, Saiham Knit Composite, Palmal, Mascotex Limited, BESTSELLER, H&M and many more!
These companies are not only leaders in export volumes but also trendsetters in adopting sustainable and innovative practices within the industry. By maintaining strong relationships with these top exporters, CLO strives to provide a list of innovative solutions that help the sector as a whole.
At FTW: CLO Virtual Fashion will not only showcase its line of products and new features but also will take people through its eCLO system that is revolutionising
the industry.
The company’s 3D design software, CLO, is the go-to solution for fashion brands and manufacturers looking to bring their creations to life in stunning detail. At FTW Dhaka, experience the ease of CLO-SET, the virtual collaboration and creative workspace, where teams can seamlessly work together no matter where they are in the world. And with CONNECT, the company’s 3D Marketplace, one can explore a world of endless 3D assets at one’s fingertips!
CLO Virtual Fashion will also be unveiling game-changing features that include AI-driven tools, the creation of hyper-realistic knitwear, its concept of EveryWear and more that are pushing the boundaries of the fashion industry.
Besides, CLO will be talking about the future of fashion, the transition to digital workflows and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Solvei8: Introducing Plani8, Next Generation production planning tool
Solvei8 is transforming the manufacturing landscape in Bangladesh with modular solutions that address manufacturers’ unique challenges. Its offerings empower RMG companies to streamline production, ensure quality excellence, drive precise process control, conduct performance analysis and minimise downtime. By bridging the digital gap, it enables RMG clients to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Amongst its esteemed Bangladeshi clients are Ananta, Bengal Hurricane, Urmi, Mohammadi Group and Dressmen.
“With a steadfast commitment to manufacturing efficiency and quality, Bangladesh is on the brink of transformative change. We foresee Bangladesh becoming the undisputed leader in apparel sourcing over the next 25 years and Solvei8 is prepared to collaborate with top-tier apparel manufacturers in Bangladesh, driving forward with groundbreaking technological advancements to redefine industry standards and cement Bangladesh’s position as a trailblazer in the global apparel market,” says Anas Shakil, VP, Solvei8.
Solvei8 has strength of local support teams (60 per cent of its team comprises of ex-apparel consultants or IE engineers) that have rapid response times. Along with user-friendly tech stack and modular solutions, it uses cutting-edge technologies like Apache Kafka, used by industry giants like Netflix and Adidas, enhancing production flow, enabling real-time data processing and efficiency improvements.
At FTW: Solvei8 is excited to introduce Plani8, its Next Generation production planning tool. Together with Tracki8, Plani8 is set to revolutionise factories’ order planning and execution, ensuring timely deliveries and optimised capacity utilisation, all the while reducing the planning team’s workload. With Plani8, organisations can empower their planners to focus on their core competency: crafting the most efficient plans. Plani8 streamlines the process by handling updates in real time, allowing for timely adjustments while keeping delivery dates in mind, thus saving valuable time and resources.
“This isn’t just a product launch; it’s the beginning of a movement towards more sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices,” says Anas and further adds that they are dedicated to establishing local partnerships and collaborations in the Bangladesh market.
Pakiza Software Limited: Specialised in ERP and custom software development
Pakiza Software Limited has been at the forefront of ERP software, providing comprehensive solutions suited to enterprises’ specific needs. The company’s dedication to providing cutting-edge technology in conjunction with unrivalled customer service has established it as a reliable partner for businesses looking to optimise their operations and generate sustainable growth.
Its esteemed Bangladeshi clients include Norwest Industries Ltd. Bangladesh, AUST Textile Alumni (AUSTTAA), TORR Limited, Zoom Sweaters, Bengal Roots, FARDIN Group, Silk Group and many more.
Rakibul Islam Khan, MD, Pakiza Software Ltd., informs, “We remain committed to using our experience and creativity to make a significant contribution to Bangladesh’s digital transformation journey and anticipate strong growth, driven by its ongoing commitment to excellence, customer-centric approach and strategic partnerships.”
Its solutions cover a wide range of industries and respond to clients’ specific requirements, helping to drive the industry’s growth and development. Its ERP software is transforming how businesses run their operations and helps organisations increase productivity, cut costs and make better decisions by streamlining processes, integrating data and giving real-time insights. This not only boosts their bottom line but also gives them a competitive advantage in the market.
In addition to ERP solutions, the company also specialises in custom software development based on clients’ individual requirements.
“Our solutions, whether they be bespoke software, e-commerce platforms or mobile apps, are tailored to the specific difficulties that Bangladeshi businesses face. The complete IT consulting services help firms negotiate the complexity of the digital landscape. From IT infrastructure planning and cyber security assessments to digital strategy formulation and technology roadmap implementation, we offer strategic direction and support to help our clients succeed in an ever-changing market,” says Rakibul.
The company takes pride in creating customised software solutions that match the specific needs of each client. This personalised approach helps its solutions fit effortlessly into their existing operations, increasing efficiency, productivity and ultimately success.
At FTW: The company will display its most recent innovations, revolutionary technologies and industry-leading solutions customised to the needs of businesses in Bangladesh and beyond.
With live demonstrations of ERP software and custom software solutions, attendees will be able to observe solutions in action and discover how they can streamline operations, increase efficiency and drive development in their organisations.
The company will have vast product showcases that emphasise the essential features and functionalities of its products. Attendees may see first-hand how its products, from ERP modules to custom-built applications, can address their company’s difficulties and open up new prospects. The team is also upbeat about interactive workshops and networking opportunities. To attract visitors at the event, the company will provide exclusive discounts, promotions and
special offers.
Logic Software Limited: Innovative solutions and unparalleled expertise
Bangladesh’s RMG industry is poised for exponential growth and Logic Software Limited as a tech company, is primed to lead this transformation. With its innovative solutions and unparalleled expertise, the company anticipates leading the industry toward unparalleled success in the next one to two years.
“At Logic Software Limited, we don’t just serve the RMG industry – we define it. Our solutions are trusted by over 300+ clients, including big names like Standard Group, GMS Composite Knitting Ind. Limited, Mondol Group, Palmal Group and N.R Group. Our solutions aren’t just enhancements; they’re industry-defining,” says K.B. Mamoor, MD, Logic Software Limited.
He further adds that along with AI and machine learning, the company is pioneering technologies like blockchain and IoT to shape the future of RMG and textile sectors. Its plans for market expansion are not just ambitious; they’re inevitable.
With a proven track record, Logic Software Limited possesses extensive data and insights. Its next steps are guided by technological sustainability, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of industry innovation. From AI to machine learning, its commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies defines its approach and continues to lead industry innovation
with confidence.
At FTW: K.B. Mamoor is very upbeat about FTW Dhaka as he says, “We’re not just another exhibitor; we’re the standard-bearers of excellence. Our presence at the event isn’t just a showcase; it’s a statement. Visitors can expect nothing short of excellence from us as we demonstrate the power and potential of ERP platform in driving industry-wide transformation.”
Jaza Software: Supporting the RMG industry with OptaFloor and OptaCut
Jaza Software is helping RMG manufacturers to lead the market by delivering better quality, transparency, sustainability, traceability, flexibility, agility and reduced cost through its tailored solutions.
It has two main solutions: OptaFloor and OptaCut. OptaFloor, a comprehensive MES solution, goes beyond real-time production and quality tracking. It uses predictive intelligence to transform the way one manages the production shopfloor.
OptaCut is a fabric optimisation tool that uses proprietary algorithms to plan fabric most efficiently, increasing fabric utilisation by up to 8 per cent.
“By digitally transforming manufacturing methodologies, we empower manufacturers to boost productivity and efficiency, thereby mitigating the impact of market disruptions. We have been working with Pacific Jeans, a famous denim manufacturer in Bangladesh, on the end-to-end solution- ‘right from raw material optimisation in cutting room to complete shopfloor digitalisation,” says Ravi Kant, Chief Marketing Officer of the company.
He further adds, “We believe in co-creation rather than a readymade solution. We have been working with some companies for the past few years to provide tailored digital solutions to our customers.”
The company’s commitment lies in offering unique solutions that not only meet management’s needs but also enhance end-user satisfaction and productivity. One of its primary advantages include being optimisation-focused as its solutions have multiple optimisation algorithms to optimise resource utilisation. The modules are fully flexible to cater to the dynamic needs of each organisation and are user-friendly.
The company is further working on AI-based line balancing, Generative AI for faster support and Predictive Quality Control. Further, to expand rapidly, it is exploring partnerships with local consultancy firms.
At FTW: The Jaza Software will showcase OptaFloor and OptaCut, highlighting their benefits to apparel manufacturers and brands. “Our focus is on bridging the gap in real-time data management and promoting sustainability by minimising paperwork and maximising resource utilisation. We’re geared up to demonstrate how our software solutions drive efficiency and environmental responsibility in the industry,” says Ravi.
What to Expect from FTW ’24 Dhaka?
- Leverage the use of technology to see 2x/3x revenue growth in your fashion business
- Understand how technologies like AI, AR/VR help scale up business profitability
- Learn how to mitigate risk of revenue loss caused by human errors
- Get to know how your competitors are streamlining processes using technology in their business
- Get to know hidden losses in your manufacturing business and digitise the processes
- Meet technology pioneers and listen to them explaining fashion business transformation through new-age innovations
- Gather useful insights by talking to pioneers and apply in your fashion business for good
- Observe consumer buying behaviour in different demographics and how it’s impacting fashion business landscape
- Know how to expand horizons and take your brand successfully on multiple retail platforms: offline, online, omnichannel and marketplaces
- Understand how to produce low inventories yet remain profitable
FTW 2024: Show Info
- 40+ Sponsors and Partners
- 3 Networking Sessions
- 50+ Industry Speakers
- 25+ Sessions and Workshops
- 2,000+ C-level Delegates
Exhibitor Profile:
- Manufacturing and Retail Tech Companies
- Textile and Accessories Manufacturers
- Testing, Inspection and Certification Companies
- Logistics and Warehousing Companies
- Service Providers and Consultants
Visitor Profile:
- Apparel Manufacturers
- Buying Houses and Liaison Offices
- Brands and Retailers
(With exclusive inputs by Dheeraj Tagra)
