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L.N. Revathy

Training and `proof of concept' centre planned

Coimbatore May 7 Reach Technologies, a solutions provider for the global soft goods business, is striving to address the issues confronting the apparel cluster in Tirupur by providing necessary IT tools.

Mr Arjun Bhaskaran, Head (Cluster Initiative), Reach Technologies, told Business Line: "The issue is not demand shortfall, but under-utilisation of capacities. This is because these smaller units are not reconciled to play second fiddle to tier I companies. They want to export directly. Anticipating direct orders from exporters, they have built capacities, which today remain idle."

According to industry estimates, almost 60 per cent of the installed capacities remain under-utilised in the apparel cluster.

"By leveraging the power of technology, these units can sustain, grow and enhance the country's share in global apparel exports. At Reach, we intend to provide a common facility with pay and use convenience. We also plan to make some live implementations of our product range for the apparel industry to create awareness," Mr Bhaskaran said.

The company initially plans to strengthen its presence in Tirupur by opening an office. "This would serve both as a training and `proof of concept' centre."

The company's product range includes Reach CAD to engineer patterns and grade the base pattern to various sizes, Reach Cut Planner to minimise fabric loss (this tool though is applicable only for large sized units), Reach Merchandising Manager for creating trends, streamlining samples etc., and Reach Fashion Studio for recreating the fashion design production process in a digital environment.

"From initial design through construction and operations, Reach Infrastructure Life Cycle Management Solution provides a centralised platform - from equipment to wiring and connections," Mr Bhaskaran explained.

He said the company is in talks with the West Bengal Government to initiate a finishing school for the apparel industry in that region. "In Tamil Nadu, we plan to approach the universities for incorporating the latest tool in the curriculum. We are also keen to do apparel-related turnkey projects," he said.

More Stories on : Software | Knitwear & Hosiery | Tamil Nadu

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