Foundation Certifiacte in Higher Education
Module Code – DOC314 – Digital Skills for Higher Education
Module Leader – Ms. Dilki Weerakoon
Assesment Type – Group Coursework
Title - How Industry 4.0 affects the textile and garment sector in Sri Lanka
Student ID
Name
20230153
M.S.A.Mohommed
20230208
D.H.R.Ariyapala
20230214
M.G.K.Kulathilaka
20230209
M.D.T.R.Wijayawardena
20230184
H.D.S.M.Thathsara
20230225
J.N.K.Jagoda
Abstract
The Sri Lankan economy is heavily reliant on the textile and apparel sector. It is one of the
primary export incomes generating sources of the country and has provided hundreds of
thousands of jobs for Sri Lankans over the past few decades. The need for the research of how
industry 4.0 is important in this industry arises as the industry within the country has faced a
few difficulties and has not developed technologically to the same extent as the other nations.
In order to secure the obtained successfulness in this competitive environment and address
these challenges we need to adapt to the new technological developments. The purpose of this
study is to identify these problems and the technological solutions that may be used to solve
them. This report's facts and figures were analysed from online, peer-reviewed academic
sources, and some information was corrected by professionals in the textile and garment
industry. From this report we aim to provide a clear image of the position the textile and
garment industry holds in Sri Lanka and how in comparison to other countries, it may be
improved with the use of industry 4.0 technology.
Acknowledgement
Firstly, we would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to our lecturer of DOC 314
(Digital Skills for Higher Education), Ms. Dilki Weerakoon for providing us the opportunity
to create this report. Secondly, we would like to acknowledge our tutorial lecturer, Ms. Savindi
Weerakoon for guiding us through the process of creating this report. This report has given us
the opportunity to gain knowledge about how Industry 4.0 has affected the textile and the
garment sector.
Furthermore, we would like to express our gratitude to our group members who participated
actively in this report. We would like to acknowledge everyone who has helped us directly or
indirectly and we appreciate your support.
Table of Content
List of Figures and Tables
Figures
Tables
Abbreviations
✔ IoT – Internet of Things
✔ AI – Artificial Intelligence
✔ ML – Machine Learning
✔ RFID – Radio Frequency Identification
✔ 3D – 3 Dimensional
✔ BPO – Business Process Outsourcing
✔ R & D – Research and Development
✔ EDB – Export Development Board
✔ JAAF – Joint Apparel Association Forum
1.Introduction
1.1. What is Industry 4.0.?
Earlier to 2011, the term “Industry 4.0" was virtually fictional; however, it was first officially
introduced to the world by executive chairman of the world economic forum Mr. Klaus Schwab
in 2015. Industry 4.0 is a new phase in the industrial revolution that introduces intelligent
networking of industrial machines and processes with the help of information and
communication technology. In other words, “It connects the physical world with the digital
world”. Key technologies of Industry 4.0 are Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud
computing, Big Data and analytics, Advanced robotics, Additive manufacturing and Cyber
physical systems. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, data analytics, automation, additive
manufacturing, and various other technologies are driving significant improvements in
industrial procedures while lessening our reliance on human labour and judgement.
(Eminify,2021) (SAP,2022) (IBM,2022) (MaKinsey,2022)
1.2. Textile and garment industry
The textile garment industry encompasses various activities such as research, design,
production, and distribution of textiles, fabrics, and clothing. It plays a significant role in the
industrialization of developing countries. In Sri Lanka, this industry holds great importance for
the economy, as it contributes to both job creation and export earnings. Sri Lanka's textile and
garment sector has experienced remarkable growth in export revenues, primarily driven by key
markets such as the United States, the European Union, and several Asian countries. Notably,
in 2022, the industry generated $5.93 billion in export revenue, directly employed around
350,000 people, and accounted for 46.46% of the national export income. Sri Lankan apparel
has evolved from traditional exports and tailoring designs to providing sophisticated solutions,
creativity and experience in BPO services, Fashion, R&D and Innovation Centres, bridging the
country’s gap between developing and developed. It is no surprise that Sri Lanka’s top three
apparel companies are already amongst the
world’s
50
most
important
suppliers.
(Kiron,2014)
2. How the industry 4.0 affects
the textile and garment sector in
the global context.
Figure -Textile and Garment industry
https://www.industriall-union.org/textile-leather-garmentshoes-and-textile-services
The textile and garment industry has become
a global phenomenon. The main function of the industry 4.0 is digitalization and automation.
In the textile industry it is implemented by having flexible and automated supply chain
processes. Modern textile machines are highly advanced. They can design, research, model and
distribute fabrics in a digital environment supported by virtual reality technologies. The quality
control of the fabrics can also be done by modern machinery. Before the fourth industrial
revolution the quality control of the garments has been done by the humans. This method is
inefficient. Thus, the quality control systems were produced. Today the textile industry is
developing in a steady speed.
(Paldiya, 2021)
2.1. Examples for how the industry 4.0 affects the textile industry in a
global context.
There are plenty of examples of how the fourth industrial development affect the textile
industry. Many inventions to ease the tasks in textile industry has been invented.
2.1.1. RFID Tags
RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is a wireless technology which uses radio waves to
communicate between the reader and a tag. This has revolutionized many industries including
the textile industry. There are many benefits of RFID tags in the textile industry. Some of them
are,
1.Inventory management – RFID technology provides real-time information about the location
of the product. This minimizes overstocking of products.
2. Quality control – Quality is a crucial factor in the process of manufacturing products. Today,
the textile industry is highly advanced and competitive. RFID technology ensures the quality
of the products. It can monitor the quality of the product.
3.Supply chain visibility – RFID provides the user real-time information about the movements
of the inventory. This helps for the improvement of the customer satisfaction.
(Kohan Textile Journal, 2023)
Figure -RFID tags https://textilelearner.net/rfid-technology-in-fashionand-textile/
2.1.2Perks for sports
With sportswear playing an important role in the garment industry, there’s great opportunities
that sports brands can gain through various technological solutions. With there being a
considerable disaster in sports like football, rugby data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT)
technologies offer highly beneficial information regarding the fitness of players, midway
through the match. Thus, it enhances coaches with insight regarding the performance of their
players and also help them in deciding if they need to be replaced or not. Polar Team Pro Shirt
is a smart shirt that comes with smoothly integrated sensors to monitor heart rate and a pocket
for player tracking sensor located on the upper back for optimal GPS reception. The second
skin fit ensures constriction free movement on the field and also maintains a specific body
moisture system that keeps players cool no matter what challenge the game throws at you. This
type of smart shirt also blocks the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays so players can
concentrate and play easily in the heat of the game.
(Jain, 2021)
Figure 3-Smart sportwear https://textilelearner.net/internet-of-things-iot-in-fashion-industry/
2.1.3. Addictive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is a method that layers materials one by one
based on a computer model to build a tangible (or 3D) item. Unlike subtractive manufacturing, which
produces its end product by cutting away from a block of material, additive manufacturing produces its
final product by adding pieces. Addictive manufacturing, (2023)
•
Customized Apparel: Additive manufacturing uses 3D scanning technology to create
personalized clothing items, improving comfort and reducing waste.
•
Prototyping and Design: 3D printing enables textile designers to quickly create prototypes,
evaluating textiles' appearance, feel, and functionality before large-scale production, streamlining the
design process and reducing costs.
•
Customized Footwear: Additive manufacturing in the textile industry creates custom shoes and
insoles by scanning feet, creating 3D models, improving comfort, reducing injury risk, and offering a
unique user experience.
(Lakmali, G.D.E., Vidanagamachchi, K. and Nanayakkara, L.D.J.F., 2020)
2.1.4. Automation in Fabric Cutting
This process was also done manually earlier but now automatic fabric cutting machine is being
used. As a result, it is possible to cut the fabric more accurately and smoothly than before.
According to the design of the garment now the design of that pattern is saved directly in the
computer memory without making marker paper and according to that instruction the cutting
machine automatically cuts multiple layers of fabric together, in a short time and accurately.
This cutting process is also done somewhere using laser. The use of automatic cutting machines
has reduced both the number of workers and the time compared to manually or operator
operated machines. (Kiron, 2021)
Figure 4-Automatic fabric cutting machine https://www.onlineclothingstudy.com/2016/12/7-automatic-cnc-fabric-cuttingmachines.html
Figure 5-Additive manufacturing https://www.karlmayer.com/en/additive-manufacturing-in-the-textile-industry/
3.How can be improved the textile and garment sector in Sri Lanka
with the features of industry 4.0
As mentioned in the report, textile industry has undergone a global expansion. The
development of the textile and garment industry in Sri Lanka has been steadily rising. The
fourth industrial revolution has a massive impact on it. Although, there is a development in the
textile industry in Sri Lanka, it can still be improved.
3.1. Cloud computing
Cloud computing as technology is becoming more prominent in many industries and has
potential to revolutionize the Sri Lankan textile and garment industry in the context of Industry
4.0. Cloud computing empowers textile manufacturers to expand their operations, improve
competitiveness, and enhance their overall performance. By adopting cloud-based solutions
such as ERP and CRM systems, the industry can achieve significant improvements. Cloudbased ERP enables tighter control over production processes, reduces wastages and costs and
improves product quality. Moreover, the scalability and accessibility of cloud-based ERP make
it a cost-effective choice for businesses. Additionally, cloud-based CRM systems provide realtime insights into customer behaviour, leading to better customer retention and revenue
generated. (Deeproom technology, 2022) (Delvadiya, 2023)
Figure 6-Qualit control https://www.pmg-pm.co.uk/clever-blog/
3.2. Internet of Things
IoT enables clothing manufacturers to improve the interactivity, educational value, and client
customization of their items. By integrating IoT solutions into textile manufacturing processes,
manufacturers can achieve several key benefits, including cost reductions, real-time feedback,
quality enhancement and real-time equipment performance monitoring. IoT solutions such as
Intelligent systems embedded in machinery can enhance productivity by minimizing downtime
and predicting maintenance needs. Moreover, IoT-powered sensors can monitor product
quality throughout the production process, allowing for immediate adjustments and ensuring
high standards. Thereby by harnessing the power of IoT technologies, Sri Lankan textile
manufacturers can successfully compete in the global market and pave the way for growth and
development. (PAYODA.com, 2020) (Rejig Digital.com, 2022)
3.3. Big data applications in textile industry
Big data could be defined by the 5V concept
●
Volume – the size of the data set
●
Velocity - the speed with which data is gathered, processed, and made usable
●
Variety - comprises of the variety of stored data, which can come from many sources
and be in a variety of forms.
●
Veracity - pertaining to the updating and accuracy of the retrieved data;
●
Value - includes the advantages and knowledge obtained from the data processing
Big data is mostly used for analysis and monitoring process of a business. Applications of big
data turn data collected along the supply chain into knowledge that supports industries in their
quest for methods to be more competitive and provide incentives for the development of new
business models. Big Data is an essential tool in the extensive integration of factories because
of its high data collecting, storage, and processing capacity, which enables factories to
become more intelligent and agile. Big Data technology strengthens the relationship between
textile businesses and their customers, especially in retail, where the industry may be better
able to comprehend its customers through data gleaned from the internet, social media, and
other sources. A company may utilize big data to make decisions that are supported by evidence
in order to increase business value, optimize and manage the production process, improve
maintenance procedures, etc. (Forno, 2021)
3.4. AI and robotic applications in textile industry
Robotics and artificial intelligence play a crucial part in the environment visualized by Industry
4.0, functioning in a way to assist and collaborate with people as they carry out industrial
activities, bringing them closer together as a result. The concerns of cost reduction and a lack
of skilled personnel have been solved globally with the deployment of these technologies, yet
to be implemented in Sri Lanka.
Logistics processes - the usage of drones to transport clothing and the tracking technologiesequipped autonomous vehicle model for stock monitoring and control.
Textile manufacturing - Robots can work with people to complete tasks including folding
components, gathering parcels, assembling batches, and packing goods. With the AI
technology during the sewing process devices were created that, when combined with ordinary
machinery, reduced or eliminated manual interventions.
Example: - a factory in China using robotic sewing machines has the capacity to produce
800,000 shirts in one day, at a rate of 22 s per shirt
Quality control – Using Artificial intelligence and robotic vision system an autonomous
inspection station can be built for receiving the examined product and positioning it in
accordance with the signal received. (Forno, 2021)
4.Barriers for the industry 4.0 in the textile and garment sector in Sri
Lanka.
4.1. Lack of new investment
Sri Lankan textile industry is facing problem of Low productivity due to its obsolete textile
machineries. To overcome this problem and to stand in competition, Sri Lanka Textile
Industry will require high investments. There is a continuous trend of investing in spinning
since many years. Sri Lanka is facing externally as well as internally problems which restrict
the new investment The unpredictable internal condition of Sri Lanka causes a rapid decrease
in foreign investment that affected all industries but especially textile industry. (Islam, Khan,
2013)
4.2. Different attitudes and decision making of people
Employee working attitude is also an essential factor to consider to take the human resource
management decision of a company. Employee working attitude changes organizational
culture, develop employee commitment, trustworthiness, efficiency, and effectiveness of job
tasks, etc. Poor employee attitude creates unresolvable problems in the human resource
process of apparel companies in Sri Lanka. Different types, ages, social groups of employees
are working in apparel companies since they have poor attitudes that have to tolerate and
corrected when managing people in the apparel industry. (Welmilla, 2020)
Figure 7- Technologies used in the textile industry https://apparelresources.com/technology-news/manufacturingtech/industry-4-0-technologies-apparel-manufacturing-challenges-ahead/
4.3. Expensive installation of technology
The textile and the garment industry have played a major part in the Sri Lankan economy. It
has made a name for themselves in the global context. Even in the midst of the worst
economic crisis Sri Lanka faced, the quality of the Sri Lankan textile and garment prevailed.
The textile and the garment sector in Sri Lanka use labour. But with the developing
technology, some ideas have been provided to use technology instead of labour. The Export
Development Board (EDB) and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) have made
decisions to promote technologies in the areas of inventory management and the design
management. EDB supports the use of machinery and new technologies in the textile
industry. But this new opportunity comes with a cost. It is very expensive to install. new
machinery. So, the initial cost of this project is high. Sri Lanka is facing the aftermath of an
economic crisis. It is difficult to have access to such high-cost technologies in these
times. (Export Development Board, 2015)
4.4. Increasing Cost of Production
The cost of production of textile rises due to many reasons like increasing interest rate,
double digit inflation and decreasing value of Sri Lankan Rupees. The above all reason
increased the cost of production of textile industry which create problem for a textile industry
to compete in international market. (Islam, M., Khan, M.A., 2013)
Figure 8-new technologies in the apparel industry https://www.cgsinc.com/blog/what-industry-4.0-means-apparel-fashionand-footwear-manufacturers
Figure 9-Industry 4.0 used in the apparel industry https://apparelresources.com/technology-news/manufacturingtech/industry-4-0-technologies-apparel-manufacturing-challenges-ahead/
Conclusion
In conclusion, the industrial revolution 4.0 has created a great number of opportunities which
the Sri Lankan garment textile sector can reap benefits from. The trend is mainly positive and
with the integration of technologies like artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and
data analytics manufacturers can lead the way to economic growth and development. While
there are many barriers such as lack of skilled workforce, lack of government support and
policies and reluctance to change, by embracing such technologies clothing manufacturers
can revolutionize their operations. Thereby by embracing this concept Sri Lanka can boost its
growth, generate employment opportunities and face the global competition head on.
sssReferences
Deeproom Technology (2022) The Benefits of Cloud technology in the apparel industry
[online]. Available from: https://blog.deeprom.ai/the-benefits-of-cloud-technology-in-theapparel-industry-c369f336e97c [Accessed: 26th of June, 2023]
Delvadiya, D., (2023) cloud computing in the textile and apparel industry[online]. Available
from: https://www.tutorialspoint.com/cloud-computing-in-textile-and-apparelindustry [Accessed: 24th of June, 2023]
EDB, (2015) Emerging technologies in Sri Lankan apparel industry[online]. Available from:
https://www.srilankabusiness.com/blog/sri-lankan-apparel-industry.html [Accessed: 25th of
June, 2023]
Islam, M., Khan, A.M., (2013) Textile Industries in Bangladesh and Challenges of
Growth[online]. Available from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236839094_Textile_Industries_in_Bangladesh_and
_Challenges_of_Growth [Accessed:27th of June, 2023]
Jain, S.A. (2021) Impact of Internet of Things (IoT) in Fashion Industry [online]. Available
from: https://textilelearner.net/internet-of-things-iot-in-fashion-industry/ [Accessed: 24th of
June, 2023]
Kiron, M.I., (2014) Sri Lankan Apparel Export Position in the Global Market[online].
Available from: https://textilelearner.net/sri-lankan-apparel-export-position-in-global-market/
[Accessed:28th of June, 2023]
Kohan Textile Journal, (2023) RFID in the textile industry, How and why? Kohan Textile
Journal [online] Available from: https://kohantextilejournal.com/rfid-in-textile-industry-howand-why/ [Accessed:23rd of June, 2023]
Lakmali, G.D.E., Vidanagamachchi, K., Nanayakkara, L.D.J.F., (2020) Readiness assessment
for industry 4.0 in Sri Lankan apparel industry [online]Available from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342352216_Readiness_Assessment_for_Industry_4
0_in_Sri_Lankan_Apparel_Industry [Accessed: 22nd of June, 2023]
PAYODA.com (2020) Textile industry: Knit IOT for improve results[online]. Available
from: https://www.payoda.com/textile-industry-knit-iot-for-improved-results/ [Accessed:26th of
June, 2023]
Welimilla, I., (2020) Human Resources Challenges in Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka: Global
Journal of Management and Business Research[online]. Available
from:https://journalofbusiness.org/index.php/GJMBR/article/download/3002/2903/37545
[Accessed: 28th of June, 2023]
Rejig Digital (2022) IoT in textile industry: Empowering Manufacturing for Driving
Innovation[online]. Available from: https://www.rejigdigital.com/blog/iot-in-textile-industryempowering-manufacturing-for-driving-innovation/ [Accessed:28th of June, 2023]
Kiron, M.I., (2021) Automation and Robotics in the textile industry[online]. Available from:
https://textilelearner.net/automation-and-robotics-in-apparel-industry/ [Accessed: 25th of
June, 2023]
Forno, A.J.D., Bataglini, W.V., Steffens, F., de Souza, A.A.U., (2021) Industry 4.0in textile
and apparel sector: a systematic literature review: Research journal of textile and apparel
industry[online]. Available from:
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ctor_a_systematic_literature_review [Accessed: 29th of June, 2023]
Eminify, (2021) An introduction to Industry 4.0[online]. Available from:
https://www.emnify.com/blog/industry-4-0 [Accessed: 23rd of June, 2023]
SAP.com, (2022) What is Industry 4.0? [online]. Available from:
https://www.sap.com/products/scm/industry-4-0/what-is-industry-4-0.html [Accessed: 24th of
June, 2023]
IBM, (2022) What industry 4.0 and how does it work? [online], Available from:
https://www.ibm.com/topics/industry-4-0 [Accessed: 23rd of June, 2023]
McKinsey.com (2022) What is industry 4.0 and the fourth industrial revolution? [online].
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Appendices
Workload Matrix
Allocated
Azmeth
Hirushi
Gagani
Thamindu Sandaru
Tasks
Sajjad
Ariyapala
Kulathilaka Rehan
Malshan
Nadija
Kaushika
Title and the cover
Done
page
Abstract
Done
Acknowledgement
Done
Table of contents
Done
and list of figures
Abbreviations
Done
Introduction
How industry 4.0
Done
Done
Done
Done
Done
Done
Done
affects the textile
industry in global
context
Ways to improve
the textile sector
in Sri Lanka
Barriers for the
Done
Done
development of
textile industry in
Sri Lanka
Conclusion
Done
References
Done
Appendices
Done
-Workload Matrix
-Meeting Agenda
Table 1-Workload matrix
Done
Meeting Agenda
1st Coursework meeting
Date: 18th of June, 2023
Time: 5.00 p.m.-6.00 p.m.
Venue: Zoom meeting
Attendees:
1) Azmeth Sajjad
2) Hirushi Ariayapala
3) Gagani Kulathilaka
4) Thamindu Rehan
5) Sandaru Malshan
6) Nadija Kaushika
Time
Discussion
5.00 p.m.-5.15 p.m.
Getting familiar with the group members
5.15 p.m.-5.35 p.m.
Discussing about the given topic
5.35 p.m.-6.00 p.m.
Dividing the topics among the members
Table 2-1st coursework meeting
2nd Coursework meeting
Date:23rd of June, 2023
Time:10.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.
Venue: Lab 06
Attendees:
1) Azmeth Sajjad
2) Hirushi Ariyapala
3) Gagani Kulathilaka
4) Thamindu Rehan
5) Sandaru Thathsara
6) Nadija Kaushika
Time
Discussion
10.30 a.m.-11.00 p.m.
Discussing about the information we gathered
11.00 a.m.-12.00 p.m.
Creating a rough sketch of the report
12.00 p.m.- 12.30 p.m.
Creating the title page and setting up a time for the next
meeting
Table 3-2nd coursework meeting
3rd Coursework meeting
Date: 25th of June, 2023
Time:6.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Venue: Zoom meeting
Attendees:
1) Azmeth Sajjad
2) Hirushi Ariyapala
3) Gagani Kulathilaka
4) Thamindu Rehan
5) Sandaru Malshan
6) Nadija Kaushika
Time
Discussion
6.00p.m.-7.00p.m.
Started the meeting by sharing a word document among
the members to edit their information in it
7.00p.m.-7.30p.m.
Referring to the content in the document and finding the
errors
7.30p.m.-8.00p.m.
Table 4-3rd coursework meeting
Correcting the errors in the document
4th Coursework meeting
Date:27th of June, 2023
Time: 10.30 a.m.- 12.30 p.m.
Venue: Lab 06
Attendees:
1) Azmeth Sajjad
2) Hirushi Ariyapala
3) Gagani Kulathilaka
4) Thamindu Rehan
5) Sandaru Malshan
6) Nadija Kaushika
Time
Discussion
10.30 a.m.- 11.30 a.m.
Completed the report’s main body,
including all necessary sections.
11.30 a.m.-12.00 p.m.
Conducted a comprehensive review of the
entire report for accuracy and consistency.
12.00 p.m.-12.30 p.m.
Made any necessary revisions or additions
based on the review.
Table 5-4th coursework meeting
5th Coursework meeting
Date: 30th of June, 2023
Time:10.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.
Venue: Lab 06
Attendees:
1) Azmeth Sajjad
2) Hirushi Ariyapala
3) Gagani Kulathilaka
4) Thamindu Rehan
5) Sandaru Malshan
6) Nadija Kaushika
Time
Discussion
10.30 a.m.-11.00 a.m.
Finalised the report’s conclusion and
executive summary sections.
11.00 a.m.-11.30 a.m.
Edited and proofread the entire report for
grammar,spelling and formatting.
11.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.
Created a professional layout and design for
the report, ensuring visual appeal.
Table 6-5th coursework meeting
6th Coursework meeting
Date:01st of July, 2023
Time:4.00 p.m.-6.00 p.m.
Venue: Zoom meeting
Attendees:
1) Azmeth Sajjad
2) Hirushi Ariyapala
3) Gagani Kulathilaka
4) Thamindu Rehan
5) Sandaru Malshan
6) Nadija Kaushika
Time
Discussion
4.00 p.m.- 4.30 p.m.
Prepared the report presentation by
selecting key points and visuals.
4.30 p.m.- 5.30 p.m.
Conducted a practice ruof the report
presentation to ensure a smooth delivery.
5.30 p.m.- 6.00 p.m.
Finalized the report and accompanying
presentation materials for distribution.
Table 7-6th coursework meeting