The research presented here covers product design and development operations in an apparel enterprise and the technologies available to best improve them. A critical assessment of the various technologies for information processing has been carried out. Specific case studies involving the deployment of the various technologies have been identified and presented in light of their suitability for apparel product design and development operations. A model of the product design and development functions in an apparel enterprise has been developed and analyzed. The AS IS function model provides an understanding of the activities in product design and development. Based on this model, appropriate technologies have been chosen for deployment in the 21^st century apparel enterprise with the goals of minimized costs, maximized efficiency, and accessibility of information. Finally, recommendations for additional research in this area have been presented.

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