In an effort to enhance local manufacturing skills, the Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has partnered with textile printing company Epson Australia to explore the possibilities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) and digitally driven smart factories. This collaboration aims to investigate how advanced manufacturing technologies could revitalize domestic production within the fashion and textile sector.
Feasibility Study Underway
Both the Australian Fashion Council and Epson Australia are currently seeking a qualified research partner to carry out a six-month feasibility assessment. This study is designed to develop a comprehensive plan for a pilot facility. The proposed pilot facility would combine automation, artificial intelligence, and digital design and print technologies with the goal of supporting local production. The announcement of this collaboration follows closely on the heels of another significant development for the AFC; just a week prior, the council announced its collaboration with R.M. Williams to create a National Manufacturing Strategy for the fashion and textile sector, providing a broader strategic context for the smart factory initiative.
Defining a Clothing Smart Factory
The two collaborating groups define a clothing smart factory as an automated production facility. Such a facility would facilitate the production of customized, on-demand clothes with quick turnaround times and low waste. Both organizations assert that smart factories allow for quick, flexible production runs that can react rapidly to market trends. This is achieved by combining digital design and print, advanced manufacturing technologies, AI-powered systems, and analytics. This approach aims to prevent the high minimum order quantities that can lead to overproduction, a common issue in traditional manufacturing.
Addressing Industry Challenges
According to AFC CEO Jaana Quaintance-James, this smart factory initiative is intended to address multiple challenges currently facing Australian fashion manufacturing. Quaintance-James was quoted as stating, “This smart factory initiative addresses multiple challenges facing Australian fashion manufacturing, from supply chain disruptions to skills shortages.” She also highlighted the significance of the current moment for the industry, adding, “We are at a pivotal moment in our industry. As part of an integrated advanced manufacturing ecosystem, the feasibility study will confirm whether a smart factory pilot program can be profitable and offer wider advantages.” Her comments underscore the potential for smart factories to provide solutions to pressing issues and assess the viability of a pilot program within a broader advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
Economic Return Potential
Research commissioned by the AFC suggests a positive economic return from bringing production back to Australia. According to this research, for every US $1 million spent on bringing production back to Australia, there may be an economic return of approximately US $1.2 million. This return is attributed to several factors, including the creation of jobs, the adoption of new technologies, improvements in local supply chains, and a decrease in reliance on imports. These findings provide an economic incentive for exploring the potential of local, technologically advanced manufacturing.
Epson’s Commitment
Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson Australia, stated the company’s dedication to fostering innovation in Australian manufacturing. Epson’s involvement brings expertise in digital printing and related technologies to the partnership.
Scope of the Six-Month Study
The six-month feasibility study will evaluate several key aspects to inform the development of an implementation roadmap. The study will assess operational models for the smart factory, determine the necessary technological needs, analyze market viability for products produced in such a facility, develop financial predictions for the pilot program, and consider the social and environmental factors associated with this manufacturing approach.
Broader Goals of the Effort
Beyond the specific feasibility study and pilot plan, the overall effort seeks to achieve broader goals for the Australian fashion and textile sector. These goals include upskilling the workforce to operate advanced manufacturing technologies, restoring local supply networks to enhance resilience, fostering digital innovation within the industry, and preserving sovereign manufacturing competence in Australia. These aims collectively point towards a strategic vision for the future of fashion and textile production in the country, leveraging technology to build a more capable and self-sufficient industry.
