Revolution 4.0 - the Textile Industry

Revolution 4.0 -

the Textile Industry

In post-industrial societies, knowledge is about to become the most valuable commodity of all. And while developed countries continue to lose the low-end jobs in manufacturing which are outsourced to low cost countries, the challenge is how to add value to the economy to remain competitive. An example in the textile industry comes to mind. Before, textile was manufactured in Europe. But today, countries debate themselves between two models: import clothes, or keep a high-value adding textile industries. Keeping the whole supply chain does not seem like an option.

How can we integrate the Fourth Industrial Revolution to the textile industry? In my release "Where No Man Has Gone Before - the Road to the Fourth Industrial Revolution", I take you through a recount of 5000 years of civilizations to understand the crucial moment the World is facing today. The NeXT industries, less capital intensive than before, must integrate to the old industries in order to add value. While manufacturing is automated and outsourced, design must remain in developed countries. 3D Printers can be used today to sketch digital blueprints at almost no cost. Their easy access make it easier for small business to have access to the latest technology to develop rapid prototypes. To cite my release "Nike uses 3D printers to create multi-colored prototypes of shoes. The cost and timing for prototyping has been cut significantly in the last few years. Besides rapid prototyping, 3D printing is also used for rapid manufacturing. Rapid manufacturing is a new method of manufacturing where companies are using 3D printers for short run custom manufacturing".

"The Internet of Things" is another example. Again citing my Release "Where No Man Has Gone Before: the Road to the Fourth Industrial Revolution": "the process starts with the devices themselves, which securely communicate with an Internet of Things platform. This platform integrates the data from many devices, and applies analytics to share the most valuable data with Applications that address industry specific needs". To add value and differiante, brands can add technology to the classical outfit. A chip can be inserted into a training shoe, which in turn sends signals to an iPhone or iWatch that can be used to run reports and analytics. Metrics can help the runners identify their areas of improvements to increase their performance. And help the Brand position itself in the high quality segment, which the final customer is willing to pay for.

For bigger companies, having a strong powerful ERP also helps. The company "Pacific Textiles", headquartered in Hong Kong but with factories in Asia Pacific, uses SAP to achieve the Digital Transformation of it's Fabric Manufacturing. Efficiencies in month-end closing and MRP processes allow to automate a large part of the Supply Chain. By using Data, the company ensures consistency in quality. With Real time reports, decision making process is made agile. SAP HANA ensures a one-service framework which gives Pacific Textiles access to a global network of high qualified IT consultants ready to drive organizational change through software implementation. The aggressive strategy in technologization has helped the company expand globally, focusing on developed countries. 

While the textile industry might be seen by some as a "dying" industry, it represents an excellent example of an industry ready to be reborn. Companies must understand that using the latest technology is not a choice, but a must in order to remain competitive. All that can be automated must be automated, in a transition to "intelligent manufacturing". The low end jobs that must be destroyed should not be protected, as the focus shifts to more value added and more creativity. Companies must manage to differentiate to position their brand in the mind of the consumer and rapidly expand globally. Today, thanks to technology, it is easier than ever. Revolution 4.0 allows easy access to the latest tools to develop your business. There are no excuses. Hop on the Revolution and drive your business to the NeXT level!!!

Cristian Bøhnsdalen
CMO/CFO & Co-Founder @ITRevolusjonen