Japanese company SHIMA SEIKI is helping manufacturers accelerate product development with its digital ecosystem.
This approach significantly reduces pre-production time, which accounts for 75% of the total product development timeline. By saving time in pre-production, manufacturers can achieve faster deliveries, lower costs, improved cash flow, and a stronger competitive advantage.
Connecting digital products to manufacturing
The key to SHIMA SEIKI‘s strategy is connecting digital products directly to manufacturing. This enables earlier evaluation of manufacturability and a smoother transition from product development to production.
For instance, yarn manufacturers can digitize and share yarn data through the yarnbank digital yarn sourcing web service. This allows brands to create highly realistic virtual products based on actual yarn characteristics. The design process also generates technical data for production, which can be shared directly with manufacturing partners.
Real-world impact and AI integration
One premium knitwear manufacturer reduced physical sampling from four to five rounds to just one or two iterations after implementing SHIMA SEIKI‘s digital design and simulation technologies. This resulted in improved first-sample accuracy, reduced yarn consumption, and significantly shorter development lead times.
SHIMA SEIKI is also developing NEURALKNIT.AI, a family of AI solutions built on the company’s knitting expertise. This AI tool generates highly realistic knitwear visuals, supporting concept development and design exploration. The company aims to leverage AI to strengthen the connection between product planning, design, and manufacturing.
In India, a fast-growing knitwear manufacturing market, SHIMA SEIKI is addressing manufacturers’ needs for faster product development, affordable technology, higher productivity, and premium knitwear. The company’s solutions, including the N.SSR and N.SVR series of flat knitting machines, help manufacturers expand into higher-value market segments.
Expanding Partnerships and Applications
Collaborations with industry leaders like CLO Virtual Fashion and Lonati integrate 3D garment design, knit simulation, and manufacturing. These partnerships streamline workflows, from sock production to complex knitwear designs.
Addressing Industry Needs in India
In India, SHIMA SEIKI is responding to the evolving demands of the knitwear industry. Manufacturers seek faster development, affordable technology, higher productivity, and access to premium markets. The company’s N.SSR and N.SVR flat knitting machines address these needs, offering versatility and efficiency.
Techniques like i-Plating reduce yarn consumption while achieving complex designs. This innovation supports the growing demand for functional and premium knitwear, including athleisure, performance wear, and technical textiles.
The company’s focus on digital transformation aligns with its SMART, SPEEDY, and SUSTAINABLE philosophy. By offering subscription-based software packages, SHIMA SEIKI ensures accessibility for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established brands.
Its integration with other 3D tools provides flexibility in design workflows, further solidifying the company’s role in driving digital transformation in the fashion industry.
SHIMA SEIKI’s Digital Solutions for Knitwear Innovation
This approach is particularly beneficial for creating seam-free luxury knitwear, athleisure, performance wear, and technical textiles.