Future of Textile Manufacturing

Smart Textiles and AI Are Transforming Production Processes

The industry is investing in intelligent materials and automated manufacturing – from sensor-based textiles to AI-driven quality control.

The textile industry is undergoing profound transformation, driven by technological innovation and shifting societal expectations. In particular, automation is fundamentally changing production processes and requiring new skills in the workplace. At the same time, sustainable materials and transparent manufacturing practices are becoming increasingly important.

Companies that focus on innovation and responsible production are better positioned to succeed in a dynamic environment. The decisions made today shape the future of the industry – both in terms of manufacturing and the societal value of textile products.

Competence, Technology, Strategy

Automation is fundamentally transforming production processes and reshaping professional skill requirements. Competencies in data analytics, process control, and digital communication are gaining importance, while traditional job profiles are being redefined. At the same time, competitive pressure is intensifying due to global market changes and rising innovation demands. Companies that strategically combine automation with adaptability strengthen efficiency, innovation capacity, and future readiness.

Sustainability & Material Innovation

The textile industry is undergoing structural change, shaped by ecological requirements and technological advances. The focus lies on developing sustainable materials, optimizing resource use, and establishing closed-loop systems. The integration of bio-based fibers and the implementation of textile recycling processes require new production technologies as well as adapted supply chains. Companies that combine ecological responsibility with economic efficiency secure both competitiveness and social relevance.

Digitization & Automation

Digital technologies and automated processes are critical for securing production sites and meeting rising market and sustainability demands. Robot-assisted manufacturing, learning systems, and IoT-based real-time monitoring enable efficient, precise, and transparent operations. By digitally integrating supply chains and factory systems, energy consumption, CO₂ emissions, and material usage can be optimized. Companies that leverage these opportunities strategically strengthen competitiveness and sustainably meet regulatory requirements.

Functionalization & Individualization

Technical textiles increasingly perform sensory, control, and monitoring functions – for example in medical technology, construction, or mobility. At the same time, demand is growing for customized solutions tailored to specialized applications. Highly flexible production processes are needed to meet these requirements. Technologies such as 3D printing, 3D knitting, and on-demand manufacturing enable precise, adaptable, and efficient implementation.

Our Solution: Intelligent Manufacturing for Demanding Applications: SAP Digital Manufacturing by delaware for the Textile Industry

SAP Digital Manufacturing by delaware is the cloud-based MES solution designed specifically for the requirements of textile production.

With industry-specific extensions for processes such as nonwoven production, coating, laminating, and functionalization, SAP S/4HANA seamlessly connects production, logistics, and order management. The solution supports individual process requirements – from flexible machine control to precise material traceability.

The result: maximum transparency through a single source of truth, real-time control, and sustainable efficiency – for future-proof, digitally connected textile manufacturing.

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Your Key Benefits

Continuous recording of machine states, material movements, and process data enables deep insights into textile production – from nonwoven production to coating, laminating, or functionalization. Live monitoring, contextual reporting, and digital traceability provide a seamless view of material flows, quality deviations, and production progress – from raw material to finished functional textiles.
Simple connection of machines via configurable interfaces and automated feedback reduces manual errors and significantly improves process data quality. Even production systems with variable settings and high setup requirements can be integrated gradually and without interruption. This enables controlled expansion of automation – tailored to the specific requirements of textile manufacturing.
Short-term requirements and variable production conditions can be managed efficiently with intelligent control and user-friendly adjustments. Production and automation processes can be modified flexibly without extensive development. Configurable technologies also allow demanding processes such as nonwoven production, coating, or functionalization to be aligned with business workflows – creating a dynamic production environment that optimally combines efficiency, quality, and responsiveness.
The solution enables targeted quality control and complete traceability of each batch or handling unit (HU) along the entire process chain – from yarn spool to processing to the finished bale or functional textile. With precise defect detection, integrated defect management, and digital tracking of each material unit, quality deviations can be identified early and corrected effectively.
SAP Digital Manufacturing by delaware enables efficient execution of combined production orders and targeted capture and reprocessing of scrap. In processes with material offcuts – such as cutting or stamping – intelligent planning and order consolidation significantly improve material usage. The result is a cost-effective production environment that reduces waste, conserves resources, and lowers production costs sustainably.

more information on SAP DM by delaware

Home of Manufacturing

We are a full-service SAP provider with a focus on industry-specific extensions and proprietary solutions. As an end-to-end SAP S/4HANA integrator, we support companies in their transition from ECC to S/4HANA and efficiently implement proven best practices. With SAP Digital Manufacturing by delaware, we consider the entire process and system landscape and implement MES solutions as a reliable end-to-end partner – structured and hands-on.

Industry Expertise with Practical Relevance

We understand the specific requirements of the textile and apparel industry – from varied production to complex batch traceability and sustainable material innovations. Our experience with automated processes and flexible production chains flows directly into our solutions. At the same time, we transfer proven best practices from other industries to textile production – ensuring greater efficiency, quality, and future readiness.

SAP Platinum Partner & Co-Innovator

In close partnership with SAP, we co-develop solutions like SAP Digital Manufacturing by delaware – tailored for process-intensive industries with high product variety such as textile and apparel production. Our co-innovations combine deep industry expertise with SAP technology and take into account specific requirements such as batch and material traceability, automated feedback, and the integration of complex production steps. The result: robust, scalable manufacturing structures that sustainably combine efficiency, quality, and adaptability.

Locally Present, Globally Scalable

With regional presence and international experience, we provide fast on-site support. Our deep process knowledge and extensive project experience in complex manufacturing environments enable efficient, industry-specific solutions that strengthen your SAP landscape and make your production future-ready.