At Work With
Yoram Burg
President
OptiTex USA Inc.
OptiTex USA specializes in three-dimensional software that lets clothing companies create patterns--and virtual models--online. WWD.com learns more from President Yoram Burg.
WWD.COM: What are OptiTex's main products for the garment industry, and how do companies use them?
Yoram Burg: OptiTex develops software packages for sewn products including pattern design, grading, marking, advanced automatic nesting, made-to-measure and 3D simulation & animation software. What this means for apparel manufacturing companies is that flat patterns can now be converted accurately onto adjustable 3-D parametric mannequins. A true-to-life 3-D human image can be carefully critiqued for construction, fit, and draping. Our mannequins perform the 'runway' walk online, while a discussion is being held in a manufacturer's offices around the globe--all without a physical sample being cut.
WWD.COM: You have a growing number of competitors in the space. How do you differentiate yourself?
Yoram Burg: We differentiate ourselves through the products we offer. OptiTex 3D Runway and Runway Designer are integrated inside one software application, and we are able to import and work on any CAD file from any vendors. We think the algorithms we use to create our images are the most accurate in the industry. Plus, we strongly believe in customer service and offer online support 24/7 from more than 35 locations worldwide.
WWD.COM: What new products do you plan to introduce this year?
Yoram Burg: Version 10 of our software will allow technical designers to draft new designs directly on a 3D form and have those changes appear on the 2D flat pattern. This version will also offer the ability to animate the 3D scene for apparel and non-apparel solutions. OptiTex will also start providing 3D content solutions for non-manufacturing companies through our overseas facilities. Brides.com has used our technology in an online tool that allows brides to see how their body shape looks in different style wedding gowns. [Editor's note: Brides.com and WWD.com are both part of Conde Nast Publications.]
WWD.COM: Tell us a bit about OptiTex, and your background with the company.
Yoram Burg: OptiTex was established in Israel in 1988 with simple solutions for basic fabric cutting. When I came on board in 2003, we decided to focus on distributing our own solutions rather than sell them through distributors and OEM's. Since then we have established a very comprehensive and rich online support system, increased our international presence by more than 45%, established the US operations, introduced two major versions with the third one coming up in few months time, and increased our sales more than 30% annually. Our customers aren't just buying a product, they are buying a relationship that grows and evolves along with their business.
My background is in the diamond business. I co-founded a 400-worker diamond cutting facility in Bangkok, and ran other manufacturing companies. I met OptiTex's CEO in the Business Class lounge at the Bangkok airport. We started talking and didn't stop. We spent the next few years just being friends, exchanging ideas and socializing. A few years later, he asked me to work for Optitex, and I decided to go for it.
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