Futura Next vs SDS-ONE APEX4

Futura Next is a multilingual Windows CAD suite for fashion, upholstery, and technical textiles, spanning pattern work through cutting-room production. Its workflow links Pattern, Manager, Marker/Automarker, Smart Plan, cutting, and PDM/PLM for product data and bills of materials. Pattern provides drawing tools, transformation macros, automatic size development, seam checks, and simulation. Marker and Automarker support manual or automatic placement optimization, multi-cut management, and constraints for ratio, fiber direction, and defects. PDM/PLM centralizes documentation, bills of materials, cycles, and master records with traceability and two-way exchange. Made-to-measure tools create parametric models from customer measurements and rules, then generate variants, placements, and consumption. Manager indexes models and attachments on Microsoft SQL Server, with search, previews, reports, permissions, and audit trails. Futura Next 3D creates digital prototypes with materials, textures, seams, variant previews, and render exports. Exchange formats include DXF, ASTM, HPGL, and ISO. Caledonia offers customized demos and support; pricing is available on request.

SDS-ONE APEX4 is SHIMA SEIKI’s all-in-one design system, combining dedicated hardware and software for textile, apparel, and industrial product development. It provides planning, design, colorway creation, realistic fabric simulation, and high-definition 3D virtual sampling. Textile tools cover flat knitting, circular knitting, printing, and weaving. Pattern CAD supports knitwear, apparel, and industrial designs, while knitting-machine programming includes shaping and WHOLEGARMENT production. The system can scan and simulate real yarn, and virtual samples can reduce the need for physical sample-making. An Auto-suggest function generates colorways and designs automatically. SHIMA SEIKI describes links across planning, design, production, and sales promotion among yarn spinners, brands, and manufacturers. Listed industries include fashion, sports and outdoors, healthcare, footwear and accessories, home furnishings, automotive, aeronautical, and industrial materials. APEX4 runs on Windows, including Windows 11. For units numbered 60001 or higher, updating to Windows 11 version 24H2 may deactivate Windows licensing.