What is Smartcutter?

Smartcutter is a lightweight AI (artificial intelligence) based cut optimization software that uses computer vision and machine learning to improve cutting operations, reduce waste and increase throughput. It helps manufacturers in the apparel, footwear and non-apparel industries to reduce raw material usage by 25% to 40%. The solution from Smart Cut Solutions directly integrates with popular ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics. Smartcutter optimizes cutting operations for all types of fabric – natural fibers, man-made fibers and blended fabrics – across multiple departments including production, pre-production and design. It can be installed on any computer network with access to the latest versions of Word or Excel documents containing cut instructions or CAD files of cut patterns. Smartcutter can run as a standalone application or as part of a broader digital transformation strategy focused on operational efficiency.

How does Smartcutter work?

Smartcutter works on the cloud and has a Microsoft Azure or AWS (Amazon Web Services) environment. The company has its own data centers, and the customer can choose the location of the data center. The system uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision to optimize cutting. The user shows the system the fabric type, color, and fabric width; the system analyzes the images of the fabric and generates a cutting pattern automatically. The system can also generate a color variation for the fabric. The user can then modify the cutting pattern and generate one or more cutting patterns. The customer can save the cutting pattern in a Word document or an Excel file and use it as a template for mass production.

Why is Smartcutter needed?

Apparel manufacturers are under pressure to increase profits while reducing costs. The solution can help them to achieve this goal by optimizing cutting operations by reducing the amount of materials used in each garment while increasing throughput. When a garment is cut, the amount of fabric used is almost always more than the amount required. This excess fabric is called waste. Reducing waste can save money by reducing the amount of material used and reducing labor costs.

How much time and money will be required to set up the system?

The solution can be implemented in two to five weeks, depending on the customer’s size, fabrics, and current manufacturing process. The cost of the solution will depend on the size of the company, fabrics, and current manufacturing process. A smaller company that produces a few types of garments with natural fibers will spend less than a large apparel manufacturer that produces a variety of garments with various fabrics.

Which benefits can be expected from Smartcutter?

Manufacturers will be able to reduce their reliance on manual measurement and calculation by using computer-assisted patternmaking (CAPP) software. They can also use computer-generated cutting diagrams to reduce waste and increase throughput. However, as the apparel industry has become more automated, the need for CAPP and CAD has grown. Both systems are inputs to computer-generated cutting diagrams (CGCDs), which are used to control cutting operations, such as laser cutting, guillotine cutting, or patternmaking. When a CGCD is integrated with the CAD and CAPP systems, it becomes a powerful tool to support the whole cutting process.

Drawbacks of Smartcutter

The user needs to have an understanding of computer-aided design software to make an effective use of the solution. The system is more effective in handling natural fibers. It is less effective in handling man-made fabrics because it does not understand the fabric’s weave.

Conclusion

The apparel industry has been undergoing a digital transformation in recent years, driven by the need to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs while improving customer satisfaction. A key part of this transformation is optimizing cutting operations with a computer-aided cutting optimization system such as Smartcutter. To conclude, computer-aided cutting optimization systems such as Smartcutter improve cutting operations, including planning and control, and can help manufacturers to achieve their goals.