„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
Getzner Textil AG in Bludenz, Austria is a very fashion-oriented dobby and jacquard weaving mill for the apparel sector with a significant stress on dobby fabrics. During the course of 2001 and 2002, Getzner initially decided to use the DesignScope victor Jacquard System. At Heimtextil in Frankfurt, Germany in 2003 Getzner added the DesignScope victor Dobby System to their design and production departments. Early contacts between EAT and Getzner had been established in 1991. At that time, EAT was exclusively specializing in Jacquard software systems. In 1995, the first EAT Jacquard systems were integrated at the Getzner facilities.
At the time, the Dobby sector was handled with Dobby programs made by CIS. CIS and EAT were working with one another as a cooperation due to the mutual use of SGI systems as hardware platforms. At ITMA in Paris 1999, EAT presented the DesignScope victor Software for the first time. Six months later, at Heimtextil 2000, Alexander Gebhart from Getzner was one of the booth’s many visitors. On the exhibition booth, a discussion started on the existing and future possiblities of DesignScope victor.
EAT’s plans to develop a dobby system based on the DesignScope victor concept exactly matched the goals of Alexander Gebhart. In the years 2000, 2001 and 2002, the established contact between EAT and Getzner was increased and intensified. Getzner received very early versions of DesignScope victor.
As a consequence of many visits and discussions, trust was developing between the two companies. Finally, in addition to the concept structure of the software, the reliability of the EAT team was the decisive argument for buying DesignScope victor.
Getzner ordered 4 DesignScope victor Jacquard licenses. Since that initial order, 14 DesignScope victor Dobby licenses were purchased, as well as the then newest EAT product, the database system DesignBase victor. EAT and Getzner several times held combined trainings and development workshops with EAT support specialists and Getzner employees in Bludenz.
EAT would like to thank Getzner for their support and the important input and requirements given to our software development department. Our very special thanks go to the Getzner team around Fritz Stecher, Bruno Müller, Walter Kikelj, Frank Abraham, Sanja Nikic, Andrea Kauf, Carmen Dünser, Gabriele Rossi, Annemarie Schwarzbauer, Dieter Frühwirt, Meinrad Amann, Birgitta Kleinheinz, Verena Walch and, last but not least: Wolfgang Honold and Alexander Gebhart.
Since 1849, the company of Backhausen interior textiles (www.backhausen.com) has been the epitomy of high-value, artistically inspired home textiles in both the domestic and international markets.
The family business built its name by designing and manufacturing fabric and carpet designs for famous art nouveau designers at the turn of the 20th century. In today’s world and textile markets, the inspiration of artists still plays a decisive role. New fabric creations are developed in close cooperation with internationally famous designers as well as new artistic talent. In addition, patterns based on original designs from Backhausen’s own archives are being reproduced and sold successfully all over the world.
The company today is run by the sixth and seventh family generations. Backhausen’s exquisite fabrics are now found in internationally renowned buildings, hotels, castles, theatres and concert venues.
Initial contacts between EAT and Backhausen date back to the year 1991. In 1992, Backhausen chose Sophis CAD/CAM system to create and edit their designs. However, at the beginning of 2002, the contact between Backhausen and EAT was intensified. At this point, EAT’s forward-thinking software system DesignScope victor had convinced Backhausen to change the direction they were taking to fulfil their CAD/CAM needs.
At the end of this same year, the Sophis systems were replaced by EAT DesignScope victor systems.
During the year 2003, detailed conversations and discussions about how to network the weaving mill with direct access to the production planning system was initiated. Features unique to Backhausen needed to be included in that development.
Backhausen ordered this system configuration in the middle of 2004. In early 2005, the networking system LoomNet victor by EAT was successfully installed at Backhausen interior textiles.
Algemene A.F.W. (www.afw.be) was founded in 1924 under the name “Algemene Fluweelweverij” (General Velvet Weaving Mill). Throughout the years, its product range has been varied, originally manufacturing woven pile carpets and velvets. Nowadays, the mill focuses on three main product categories: wire loom velvets, face to face velvets and flatweaves. Common for each of these is the use of jacquard looms: every product is jacquard woven, and yarn dyed.
The policy of Algemene A.F.W. is to work with a global customer base, and to create specific products to suit each individual market?s taste and needs. This can only be realized by keeping a close eye on market developments, and having a firm partnership between the mill, its agents and its customers.
Algemene A.F.W. produces high quality products using the best raw materials available, investing every year in the most advanced technology and machinery, and imposing a high standard of quality control.
AFW ever since 1988 has used Sophis CAD Systems for the electronic design process. Recently, AFW had 5 Sophis systems in use. Initial contacts between EAT and AFW date back to 2002. EAT’s software system DesignScope victor with its future-oriented concept aroused strong interest with AFW. In early 2003 a test system was installed. This testing period was accompanied by in-depth discussions and valuable information input by AFW. EAT was able to gain AFWs trust by quickly reacting to their demands and fast development of the relevant features. EAT has developed a CI Box for the handling of existing Sophis files and archives. In the beginning of 2004 the 1st DesignScope victor System was bought by AFW with an option for 4 more systems. In summer of the same year systems 2 and 3 were installed, system 4 and 5 followed in early 2005. DesignScope victor has now substituted all old Sophis systems.
EAT would like to thank AFW for their enduring trust, the great co-operation and their important input and demands during the course time. Our special appreciation goes to Emmanuel De Spiegeleir and Sabine Vermeersch.
Klaus P. Lepka Managing Director of EAT GmbH “The DesignScope Company” Piet Heldenbergh Heltech, Sales Representative of EAT GmbH “The DesignScope Company” Eric Declercq ED.ICT Support for EAT GmbH “The DesignScope Company”
Hangzhou Wangu Textile Co., Ltd. specializes in the design, production and sales of top grade yarn-dyed jacquard fabrics. Located in Gongshu District Hangzhou City, the company covers an area of 35.6 mu, with a building area 16,000 square meters, and more than 600 people on their staff.
Established in 2000, Wan Gu has developed itself into a modern enterprise characterized by upgrading traditional industry through new, high and information technologies, with a registered capital of 3 million US dollars and total assets at nearly 100 million Renmimbi after 6 years of rapid development. The products of the company, ranging from ties to womens dress materials, scarves and household textile products, sell well in Europe, America and Japan.
The company’s characteristics are as follows: a high degree of information management, great ability to adapt imported technologies and equipments, short cycle to develop new products and quick adjustment of products to changes in the respective markets.
During his visit at EAT Headquarters in Kempen, Germany, Mr. Han Yan ordered 12 DesignScope victor Jacquard licences. Of those, the first five DesignScope victor Jacquard Systems were installed immediately. The seven remaining DesignScope victor Jacquard Systems followed short after.
EAT would like to thank Wan Gu for their co-operation and important advice. Our special thanks go to Mr. Han Yan and the General Manager of Wan Gu, Mr. LiMing Ji.
Huatex International (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. (www.huatex-international.com) is specialized in manufacturing various kinds of upholstery fabrics and home textile products, located in Hangzhou Xiaoshan Economic & Technological Development Zone. HUATEX imported the most advanced PICANOL weaving looms GamMax from Belgium and its combination of STAUBLI electronic jacquard machines from France. The annual output hits 6 million meters and is currently sold to USA, Europe, Middle East and other markets.
Huatex has their own design teams from the best universities and special colleges. Thousands of patterns developed are all from Huatex own design department and registered for copyright.
Huatex today has diverse DesignScope victor Jacquard systems running in their design and production departments. EAT would like to thank Huatex for their enduring trust, the good cooperation and the important input given. Our special thanks go to General Manager Xu.