How Virtual Prototyping with 3D Improves Each Step of the Supply Chain

Designers can start using CLO as early as the vendor or patternmaking stages depending on the region and whether one or more people take on both roles. Particularly in recent months, we’ve seen some companies trained in the software in the matter of a week and using it with vendors that very next week. Instead of having to create a physical sample and then make edits later, vendors can use their existing pattern to instantly see how those 2D pattern edits will look on a virtual sample in real time. Once the edits are complete, users can then export the new pattern to make an accurate physical sample. Instead of having to produce multiple iterations of physical samples, they can now do it all in 2D and 3D simultaneously.
The process also allows for technical designers to check for fit issues earlier on, identify the ideal solution and make decisions much sooner. With this technology, if fit issues are found, users can adjust and update measurements in real time. Product developers can iterate these changes faster, readily access libraries of industry-standard elements and design to cost while designers can experiment at their leisure.