Case Network 2: Footwear

The second Case Network for the Net-Challenge project operates in the Footwear sector in Italy and includes the project partners Synesis and IConverter and their key business partners.

Synesis offers to its customers a full support over the complete life cycle of footwear, starting from conception to production and distribution. The conception of new collections is achieved supporting fashion stylists in the industrialization of new ideas, through CAD services, training and exploitation of digital technologies. Promotion and distribution are handled by external and independent commercial organisations, carefully selected based on their market orientation. The production activity is especially oriented to handle small production lots in order to support and promote the diffusion of new stylistic proposals. Production of customized shoes is also supported, exploiting technologies such as the digital measurement of a consumers feet and consequent adaptation of design and production details. The management of the supply network is one of the most valuable services offered by Synesis, given the severe difficulty in involving external suppliers when low quantity lots and very heterogeneous construction types are promised. These services offered by Synesis are a good example of the new business models SMEs have to adopt and the non-hierarchical networks they have to implement.

IConverter is a company specialized in production of fabric aimed to footwear applications. It cooperates with Synesis both as a supplier of high fashion fabrics and as a consultant for design conception of new footwear collections. Their prompt reaction in proposing and supplying qualified solutions is very valued, especially during the shoe conception phase when time constraints and collaboration are critical. IConverter is in turn the driver of a complex supply chain in which the whole life cycle of the fabric conception and production is controlled.

This Business Case, based around the Italian market, will demonstrate the ability to respond to emerging market needs and customer requirements in a fast and efficient way. Synesis, IConverter and IPP-Integrated Pilot Plant are key players in a network of specialized companies that will be able to efficiently respond to market opportunities.