In the dynamic landscape of the footwear industry, innovation is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity for survival and success. Amidst this, the emergence of digital twins has turned out to be a game-changer, particularly in footwear design. Empowering product development teams with unprecedented capabilities, digital twins redefine traditional design processes, offering efficiency, accuracy and agility like never before.
What are Digital Twins?Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical objects or systems. In the footwear industry, a digital twin represents a shoe design in its entirety, from concept to production, recreated in a digital environment. This includes every detail - from materials and dimensions to aesthetics and functionality, as well as technical data necessary for production.
The power of data-driven design
Central to the digital twin concept in footwear design is the utilization of advanced 3D CAD / PDM (Product Data Management) digital platforms. These platforms serve as central hubs for all stages of footwear development, from conceptualization to production, marketing and retail. In the case of Romans CAD™©, one of its standout features is its native integration of 3D modeling with Product Data Management (PDM). Throughout the creation of a 3D product and without impacting the way a designer works - no extra effort is required from designers - digital twins are fed with data. Every detail, from raw material specifications to supplier information, duties and pricing, is embedded within the Romans CAD™© digital twin. This wealth of information empowers designers to make informed decisions at every stage of the design process. With a click of a button, they can generate essential documents automatically (tech packs): Bills of Materials (BOM), collection plan, costing estimates and more, ensuring consistency and accuracy across all product-related data and all teams involved in the product development process (pattern engineers, sourcing, etc.).
Digital twins enable data-driven decision-making at every stage of the design process.
Real-time Integration with PLM When coupled with ERP & PLM systems, the flow of data from Romans CAD™©’s PDM to ERP & PLM is automatically synchronized, ensuring real-time updates and collaboration across teams. All stakeholders have access to the latest design and pattern iterations, specifications and production schedules.
Benefits of digital twins
· A unique 3D model gathering all necessary data for production
· Synchronization with ERP & PLM for better data reliability
· A technology where every update, every modification, seamlessly cascades throughout the entire alue chain
· Improved collaboration and productivity
In conclusion, the emergence of digital twins, coupled with a 3D CAD / PDM digital platform heralds a paradigm shift in the footwear industry. By harnessing the power of Romans CAD™© digital platform and integrating it seamlessly with ERP & PLM systems, companies can drive innovation, efficiency, and ultimately, succeed in the ever-evolving footwear industry. So, to all footwear designers and innovation leaders out there, the future is digital - embrace it and unlock endless possibilities!