Innovation in color matching technology.
New system subject of investigation.

In the dyeing, printing and finishing industries, an only-one production and sales system based on the necessary amount of production to save energy and resources is essential.

To achieve this system successfully, an information technology (IT) system, corresponding to the supply chain management system (SCM) which can combine the color design of clothing retailers or apparel and textile companies and promote their collaboration, should be formed.

Color design is becoming more important in textile downstream.
Needs for quick response are increasing.

The background is the need for measures to promote the sales of textile goods in developed countries.

The designers of clothing in apparel companies and department stores in Japan request excellent color expressions beyond the limitations of textile materials and their quick processing.

In the downstream, the opinion is growing that the ideal system is one in which designers decide the color and pattern, send the information to the dyehouse via computer through the means of which they also hold discussions and make decisions.

For such requirements, the measures for correct transfer of colors to be dyed (yarn or fabric dyeing) to the processing companies are gradually coming to a solution, this has been difficult with an ordinary B to B system.

For example, new software called “Color matching option” has been partly developed to realize the adjustment of color in the PC picture and that of the textile.

The feature of this software is that it can record the color through spectral reflectance and prepare a color palette for every season.

By defining the color by spectral data, communization and transfer of the objective color information independent of the evaluating place (circumstances) can be achieved. The detail of this software is not known.

The problem of this software is that the data processing of dyed materials (for ex. metamerism ) can not be done.

“Color matching option” is for the apparel designer, but not for combining designing with the selection of dyes or technology of dyeing/printing in the processing companies. It can be said they are on the eve of the final solution.

Example of software for color exchange in designing for downstream <Toyoshima business system>

To make the color management chart of the downstream company more practically usable, software for dye selection which can produce isomeric matching must be developed, considering the color rendering and metamerism.

Complete isomeric matching is very difficult, then CCM software which can produce a better combination of dyes with less metamerism should be developed.

CCM software with new functions will become popular, and it can select the colors for designed goods with personal emphasis and sensitivity depending on sex, age, usage or season, if the textiles are of high fashion.

Dyeing of textiles for clothing, furnishing and industrial uses with simultaneous color and material effects will be important.

A technical dyeing specialist says “ CCM software excessively based on isomeric matching will not provide satisfaction to the people who place orders nor effectively support the dyeing technology of the technical people in dyehouses, even though the quick color matching by IT flow between middle- and down-stream is carried out.