Track: Manufacturing

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to establish the extent to which computer aided technologies are applied in the clothing and textile sector in Gauteng. The study was empirical, quantitative and non-experimental research. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey that was conducted on one sample of clothing and textile companies. The surveyed companies were identified through purposeful sampling. The participating companies were a mixture of small, medium and large companies. The data gathering tool was a self-administered questionnaire. The computer aided technologies investigated are; Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Manufacturing, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Electronic Data Interchange, Electronic Point of Sale, and internet. Findings from the analysis show that the applications were not equally popular. The most popular packages were the internet and Computer Aided Design. Electronic Point of Sale, Computer Aided Manufacturing, and Electronic Data Interchange had a fair number of users. The least popular technology was Computer Integrated Manufacture. These computer applications are not only relevant to the clothing and textile sector. They are equally useful in other sectors. The technologies help reduce the cycle times from design to manufacture and manufacturing companies can accept customer orders closer to due dates.