Case Study: Switlik.
Boost Efficiency & Cut Errors in Custom Drysuits with Automation.
Six Atomic partnered with Switlik to revolutionise their custom drysuit production process. Utilising AI and 3D configurators, we automated the traditionally manual and error-prone steps, from capturing configurable suit features and accurate body measurements to generating production-ready patterns. As a result, Switlik can now offer highly customisable, military-grade drysuits more efficiently, reducing costly errors and boosting customer satisfaction.
Key Impact.
AI Streamlines Custom Tech Wear Production.
AI automates size assignment, design configurations, and material selection, enabling scalable, efficient custom production.
Eliminates Costly Errors with Automation.
Automation prevents costly mistakes in feature and size selection and made-to-order manufacturing for expensive military-grade products.
Boost Customer Satisfaction & Reduce Returns.
3D configurator and AI ensure a better fit and customisation, leading to higher customer satisfaction and fewer costly returns.
Project Overview.
Client.
Switlik is a leading provider of safety and survival gear for the aviation, marine, and military sectors. They offer highly customisable, made-to-order drysuits that customers can tailor for specific needs and sizes. Switlik manages the entire process, from online orders to manufacturing and shipping.
Challenges.
Previously, Switlik processed drysuit orders manually. Customers would sift through a spreadsheet of features, select what they wanted, and send it to Switlik for production. This manual method was error-prone and costly. Mistakes like choosing the wrong features or sending inaccurate body measurements could result in expensive errors, especially given the specialised, military-grade nature of the suits.
Outcome.
Six Atomic, in collaboration with tech partner Tronog, developed a 3D configurator for Switlik that lets customers see their chosen suit features in real-time. Six Atomic also added an AI-powered questionnaire to Switlik's online store to accurately predict body measurements, helping customers choose the right size. Finally, we automated the workflow from the online store to manufacturing, reducing manual labour and eliminating costly mistakes.
Key Technology Provided.
3D photo-realistic configurator with modular design backend (drysuits).
AI body measurement predictor & size recommender.
AI pattern generation & order batching (drysuits).
Automated creation of manufacturing assets.
End-to-end integrations (from Shopify store to manufacturer’s PLM).
Solution Details.
Streamlined Automation from eCommerce to Manufacturing.
Problem.
Switlik faced challenges with manual processes in custom drysuit orders, leading to potential errors in drysuit feature selection and body measurement, which were costly due to the specialised nature of the gear.
Solution.
Six Atomic integrated a 3D configurator and AI into Switlik’s e-commerce platform, allowing for precise customisation and body measurement capture. The AI automates pattern generation and sends production-ready assets directly to manufacturing, reducing the need for manual input and the risk of errors.
Impact.
Significantly reduces costly errors and increases efficiency in producing bespoke, high-quality drysuits.
Efficient Order Batching with AI Integration.
Problem.
Switlik's pattern team was burdened with the time-consuming task of manually batching patterns and creating markers for daily manufacturing orders.
Solution.
Six Atomic's APIs now automatically retrieve order data from the 3D configurator, batch patterns by material for daily production, and directly feed the information to the auto-fabric cutting machine.
Impact.
Drastically reduces manual labor and increases manufacturing efficiency.
Accurate Body Measurement Prediction with AI.
Problem.
Online orders for custom drysuits often suffer from inaccurate body measurements provided by customers, leading to costly errors in the production of these expensive, bespoke items.
Solution.
Six Atomic implemented an AI system that predicts over 50 detailed body measurements from a simple questionnaire about height, weight, and body shape. This innovation replaces the need for customers to measure themselves, streamlining the online shopping experience.
Impact.
Enhances online shopping ease, reduces costly measurement errors, and boosts customer satisfaction.
