How far has apparel manufacturing industry reached in terms of Industrial Automation Globally?
In my opinion, it has not moved far enough. The level of automation in apparel manufacturing has been directly related to the cost of labor. In countries where labor costs are very low, the tendency has been to not invest in automation. As labor costs rise it becomes necessary to use automation as a mechanism for competing on total product cost. Sometimes I am still amazed when I visit cutting rooms that are using traditional hand-cutting systems. The technology for CNC cutting has been fully developed for a long time now – yet there are many companies that are not willing to make the investment in what should be the accepted practice. In sewing, the same applies. There are many machine attachments and semi-automated sewing systems that are not being used in lower wage countries. I realize that automation is not the primary answer to staying competitive, but ignoring it will assure that one will fall behind. The United States is a good example. The product areas that invested heavily i
