OptiTex specializes in the development of innovative, easy-to-operate CAD/CAM solutions for apparel and host of other industries and have banked upon their native Microsoft Windows based software packages for digitizing, pattern engineering, grading, marking, advanced automatic nesting and 3D draping.  OptiTex Runway 3D is the first fully integrated and complete software solution that utilizes a natural combination of flat patterns and state-of-the-art 3D technology to deliver virtually real finished products.

The Stitch Times has had the pleasure of interacting with Mr. Saar Machtinger of OptiTex to know more about OptiTex products.  The extracts ……

Q:         What is so special about your organization?

A:         OptiTex specializes in development of innovative, easy-to-operate CAD/CAM solutions for the apparel, upholstery and other related industries.  We have entered the CAD/CAM market about 15 years ago, but already from day one, our software was fully based on Microsoft windows platform, and a 32 BIT application today. We provide to our customers a complete and full solution, with strong support centers around the world and fast development time of new features and version. Our packages for digitizing, pattern engineering, grading, marking advanced automatic nesting and 3D draping are specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s manufacturers. You can best learn of our organization is through our customers, who have decided to switch over and upgrade from all competitors’ programs to OptiTex solutions.

            OptiTex is known for its open architecture, this commitment to the customer is most important. It requires us to listen to the customer''s needs, evolve with him, answer to the market demands and make the improvements in the software in such a way that the customer will benefit of it as much as he can. Our changes happen instantly. OptiTex development team is highly skilled, and our solutions are always hitting the users'' needs.

Q          What is your vision?

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A:         Our vision is to create tools and procedures that will decrease the Time-To-Market for companies, and increase the productivity of the factories. World Wide organizations are becoming more and more distributed; And OptiTex solution will enable a simplified and easy integration with top ERP/PDM and PLM solutions enabling the company to extend its profitability and market share. OptiTex is dedicated to develop, produce, distribute and sell the most sophisticated and open CAD/CAM software solutions and related hardware with optimum price/performance ratio for manufacturers in the sewn products and related industries.  Through innovation, our commitment to our vision will fuel the emergence of OptiTex solutions as industry standards in the apparel, upholstery, industrial fabrics, home furnishings and composites and other related sewn products industries.

Q:        What are your major products and what is so very special about them?

A:         There are a number of products.  To start with, our Runway 3D Draping Solution is a true-to-life simulation system.  Runway 3D offers the user suite of tools that will simulate all pre-production activities including fitting, visualization, texture and color variation.  Runway 3D is also used as a communication tool between retailers, subcontractor, designer, pattern maker, manufacturer, costing, marketing and management departments.  Using Runway 3D suite of tools allows the visualization of any pattern modifications instantly, in 3D based on accurate CAD patterns and real fabric characteristics.  Another special ability we hold is for migrating companies from other CAD/CAM solutions: We do not force ANY hardware modifications. Since OptiTex is an open market solution, we communicate with all major and many other manufacturers of hardware tools, this means that an upgrading factory does not need to change any of its old hardware while purchasing an OptiTex solution.

Q:        Does Runway 3D affects the bottom line. If yes, how?

A  :      Using OptiTex Runway 3D will reduce product development time, cost of multiple iterations of sample garment production, enhance quality of products due to use of accurate modeling system, analyze fabric behavior, proof-fitting assumptions and provide a graphical collaboration tool for all involved in the product development process.  It also provides an excellent tool for sales and merchandising, with easy to use “Virtual Storyboards”. All this does affect the bottom-line.

The Runway 3D technology helps to manage your own virtual fashion collection, experiment with various materials, colors, patterns, logos, stitches and buttons.  Output results of various 3D formats, rendering photo realistic snapshots or print directly along side the provision of 3D mannequins with numerous postures and measures are other advantages, which result in much better performance.

Q:        Any other modules that you have introduced and how do these help?

A:         OptiTex Marker is certainly one of them.  This module is designed to maximize productivity and minimizing labor and material costs by utilizing maximum flexibility while marking patterns.  One can change quantities, marker dimensions, number of plies, layout mode and all system parameters at any stage of operation. One can optimize cut sequence for an entire nest all at once or by individual pieces and even modify cutting direction of individual pieces or use the powerful “shared lines” feature for common line cutting on automatic cutting equipment.

Q:        What about other specialized solutions?

A:         OptiTex new Advanced Automatic Nesting application incorporates an intelligent algorithm for nesting, delivering comparable and often better results than achieved manually. Only the basic marker parameters require definition, while Nest++2 takes care of the rest by automatically generating an extremely tight marker. Nest++2 respects all existing constraints such as directional rotation, tilt allowance, and time limits given for each marker. Nest++2 keeps the runtime extremely fast and can also be used to acquire precise cost proposals for clients during price negotiations. Nest++2 increases material efficiency drastically, elevates overall nesting standards, and reduces time and labor. The "Nesting Queue" generates complete, multiple nests automatically using unattended, overnight processing. Data from the queue is organized in spreadsheet format to allow easy comparison of efficiency, nest lengths, widths, and process time. Nest++2 can be utilized with pattern files from other non - OptiTex CAD systems.

Q:        Any other way you are helping the industry?

A  :      We have OptiTex Direct Converters that are compact software applications that read and convert  native models, order and piece files, of most non – OptiTex CAD software, directly into OptiTex format.  Direct Converters save precious time by eliminating data transfer difficulties that can occur using standard transfer formats such as DXF and AAMA, even when used by inexperienced operators.  Direct and accurate conversion of hundreds of other CAD/CAM files is completed in a matter of seconds, with no post processing required.

            A unique list of import/export capabilities makes OptiTex software the most flexible CAD system for sewn products on the market today and assured communication with the rest of the world.  Supported files include DXF, AAMA, ASTM, NC, HPGL-2, Microjet and others. 

Q:        So far, we have discussed about the software, what about the hardware?

A:         OptiTex offers a variety of high quality hardware devices, including cutters, plotters and digitizers.  We offer plotting hardware, cutting machinery and digitizing hardware.  OptiTex also offers worldwide telephone, fax, WEBEX and e-mail support. Furthermore, OptiTex enables you, as part of its core software capabilities, to work with most of the hardware available today in the industry, without any extra modules to purchase.

Q:        How popular are your products and who are current OptiTex users?

A:         OptiTex are sold and supported around the world through certified distributors and OEMs and our software solutions are currently available in 19 languages.  OptiTex is committed to providing the sewn-products industry with solutions built on the latest software technology to ensure compatibility for the user and protection from obsolesce. Current users in the apparel sector include Orient Fashion, Shahi Exports, Christian Dior, Disney and Looney Toons, Land’s End, Midway, Morgan, Osaka Shinko Co., Summit Sportswear, Kohl''s, ABS by Allen Schwartz, Vanity, Coach Leather, among others. In the automotive industry our customers include Johnson Controls, BMW, Porsche and others.

            OptiTex products have always been sold through dealers and OEM partnerships. This method has built a large customer base around the world, and also in the Indian market through our OEM partner. Due to some business disagreements, OptiTex has decided to end this OEM and to increase its direct connection with the Indian and East region market. Opening our office in New Delhi will enable us a strong connection to the market. We will still sell through dealers, but also have a local office to support, train and sell directly to the customers.

Q:        How responsive has been Indian market to your products?

A:         I think response has been pretty good.  In fact, we have a high expectation of good response from India, particularly when India, as others, have entered into an era of limitless world trade in apparels and it needs to double up their efforts to adopt cutting edge technologies that we offer. Visiting several of our customers in India, we have learnt about their needs and we know that we will fulfill the customers’ needs.