The Evolving Landscape of 3D in Fashion

As of November 2024, the use of 3D technology in product development has transformed the fashion industry, but not all companies are leveraging it in the same way. Broadly, we can categorize fashion businesses into three groups based on their adoption of 3D in their workflows:

1. Mature Companies Relying on Factories for 3D
   These large-scale companies are primarily consumers of 3D content. While they may hold a few software licenses, their reliance on 3D is limited. Instead, they depend on factories to create and provide 3D assets.
2. Intermediate Companies Innovating with 3D
   These organizations have embraced the benefits of 3D and are leveraging its intellectual property to innovate their processes. They maintain close control over their product development and use 3D to enhance their efficiency and creativity.
3. Beginner Companies Exploring 3D
   At the early stages of their 3D journey, these companies use the technology to check fit and communicate with their factories. They are still experimenting and determining how 3D can best serve their needs.

A Mix of Old and New: The State of 3D Technology

Over the past 25 years, 3D technology has evolved significantly, leading to a mix of legacy systems and modern solutions in today’s market. Early adopters may still rely on older software built on outdated technology, while newer entrants leverage modern, more powerful tools. However, transitioning between these systems is often daunting, even though companies in other areas—such as accounting, HR, and logistics—frequently update their technology to improve efficiency.

So, what prevents fashion companies from making the leap to modern 3D solutions?

The Fear of Change Management and Data Loss

The primary roadblock is change management—a natural resistance to altering established processes. Beyond that, the greatest challenge lies in the data. In 3D, data includes fabric testing results, block libraries, and more, all of which are essential to operations. Unfortunately, most 3D data is incompatible across competing platforms, meaning that switching solutions would require a company to rebuild their entire library of assets from scratch.

Consider this: if a company has 300 blocks and 200 fabrics (a conservative estimate), the time and manpower required to recreate this data could be monumental. This daunting task becomes the #1 deterrent for businesses considering a switch.

A Seamless Solution is Possible

What if switching to a modern 3D platform didn’t have to be this difficult?

Today, there are companies that specialize in converting legacy 3D data for use in newer platforms. These providers ensure that the transition is seamless and painless, with no downtime or data loss. Here’s how they make it happen:

• Data Conversion: Fabric tests, block libraries, and other assets are converted for compatibility with the new platform.
• Minimal Learning Curve: Users familiar with 3D processes on legacy systems can learn the modern solution in weeks, thanks to intuitive interfaces and advanced features.
• Enhanced Capabilities: Once transitioned, companies gain access to the latest in 3D technology, providing them with greater efficiency and innovation potential.

Future-Proof Your 3D Workflow

The fear of change shouldn’t hold your business back. With the right partner, upgrading your 3D solution is not only possible but can be a strategic advantage.

Are you ready to take the leap into modern 3D technology? Discover how LinkStitch Solutions can help you transition seamlessly, retain your valuable data, and unlock the full potential of 3D innovation.