Latching on to innovative three-dimensional solutions in the apparel-fashion industry, premier global fastening manufacturer YKK and industry leader in 3D infrastructure technology, VNTANA, have launched the first ever 3D trim configurator, making it easier for brands to visualise trim options, design trims, and generate item codes instantly.
The new platform: The YKK Trim Creator brings a new level of stress-free standardisation and efficiency for brands incorporating custom zippers and fasteners in their designs.
- The YKK Trim Creator with VNTANA’s patented optimisation algorithms enables YKK’s customers to view thousands of customised options instantaneously.
- It makes it easy for designers to specify the correct fastener components, see the design in real-time 3D, and even share the 3D model easily through a URL.
- These capabilities enhance the efficiency of the zipper design and adoption process and minimise the need for physical zipper samples, decreasing costs and carbon footprint by cutting back on waste and shipping while improving the sales process for buyers.
The technology: VNTANA’s 3D infrastructure software provides the back-end “plumbing” that enables brands to scale 3D quickly and across digital platforms such as ecommerce sites, B2B virtual showrooms, social media and the metaverse.
- This allows for seamless collaboration from design to sales, ensuring the highest quality and accuracy across every phase of the process.
- With this integration, YKK customers will see a significant time savings in the design process.
The How: It was in 2022 that YKK surveyed its customers on how it could improve customer service.
- The results showed that many wanted the ability to customise a finished zipper (size, material, function, and colour selection) digitally and to identify the correct item descriptions and item codes for their customized zippers.
- The YKK Trim Creator was designed to address those customer needs.
WHAT THEY SAID:
So many designers and brands lose valuable time using legacy, analog tactics such as catalogs and item samples for product selection. The YKK Trim Creator is an example of how VNTANA’s software can provide the back-end infrastructure needed to improve the digital design process to make it functional and effective for brands.
— Ashley Crowder
Co-founder & CEO
VNTANA
As we constantly evolve to provide the best service for customers, we are laser focused on speed, quality, and sustainability. Digitalization through a tool like the YKK Trim Creator helps us achieve all three. It immediately displays the design in 3D, which improves visualization, reduces the need for customers to request physical samples, speeds up the design process, and decreases waste and the need for shipping samples around the world.
— Takayuki Kato
Vice-President (Global Marketing Group)
YKK Corporation
