Digital Transformation in Emerging Fashion Economies: A Qualitative Review of CAD/CAM Adoption and Its Implications for Design
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
This study examines the role of Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing technologies in driving digital transformation within Bangladesh’s apparel industry. The research adopts a systematic literature review approach based on existing academic and industry sources. The analysis focuses on three key areas. These are design transformation, production efficiency, and sustainability outcomes. The findings show that digital tools improve design flexibility and accuracy.
They also enhance production efficiency through faster processes and better coordination. In addition, these technologies support sustainability by reducing material waste and improving resource use. However, the impact of digital transformation depends on factors such as infrastructure, investment, and skill availability. The study highlights that adoption is uneven across firms in Bangladesh. Overall, the research provides an integrated understanding of how CAD and CAM technologies influence the apparel sector in an emerging economy. The study also offers insights for future research and industry practice.
Downloads
References
Alam, S. M. S. (2023). Unveiling the effects of ICT adoption in the apparel sector of Bangladesh based on the technology–organization–environment framework. Asia Pacific Journal of Information Systems, 33(4), 977–998. https://doi.org/10.14329/apjis.2023.33.4.977
Casciani, D., Chkanikova, O., & Pal, R. (2022). Exploring the nature of digital transformation in the fashion industry: Opportunities for supply chains, business models, and sustainability-oriented innovations. Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 18(1), 773–795. https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2022.2125640
Fletcher, K. (2010). Slow fashion: An invitation for systems change. Fashion Practice, 2(2), 259–265. https://doi.org/10.2752/175693810X12774625387594
Frank, A. G., Dalenogare, L. S., & Ayala, N. F. (2019). Industry 4.0 technologies: Implementation patterns in manufacturing companies. International Journal of Production Economics, 210, 15–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2019.01.004
Glogar, M. (2025). Digital technologies in the sustainable design and production of textile and fashion products. Sustainability, 17(4), Article 1371. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041371
Gwilt, A., & Rissanen, T. (2011). Shaping sustainable fashion: Changing the way we make and use clothes. Fashion Practice, 3(2), 165–170. https://doi.org/10.2752/175693811X13071166586183
Kozlowski, A., Searcy, C., & Bardecki, M. (2018). The reDesign canvas: Fashion design as a tool for sustainability. Journal of Cleaner Production, 183, 194–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.014
Nayak, R., & Padhye, R. (2018). Automation in garment manufacturing. Woodhead Publishing.
Sayem, A. S. M. (2022). Digital fashion innovations for the real world and the metaverse. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 15(2), 139–141. https://doi.org/10.1080/17543266.2022.2071139
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All articles published in our journal are licensed under CC-BY 4.0, which permits authors to retain copyright of their work. This license allows for unrestricted use, sharing, and reproduction of the articles, provided that proper credit is given to the original authors and the source.