CATS MODULE: Fabric Inspection & Cut Optimization

CATS (Computer Aided Textile Supervision) is Fabric Inspection & Cut Optimization software made by Datatex, natively integrated with the NOW ERP solution for textile and apparel manufacturing.

It supports manufacturers in one of the most critical phases of textile production: transforming inspected roll goods into finished, sellable fabric through defect mapping, quality classification, and optimized cutting plans that maximize first-quality yield.

What is the CATS module?

CATS is a specialized textile application designed to manage fabric inspection and cut optimization in real time. It records defects, builds a defect map for each roll, and supports operators with instant decision-making tools that improve quality control and reduce waste.

CATS can be used for both loom-state fabric inspection and finished fabric inspection, ensuring consistent quality tracking from production to warehouse and shipment.

Why is fabric inspection critical in textile manufacturing?

Fabric inspection is a key step in ensuring that the final fabric meets customer requirements and quality standards. Since fabric rolls move directly into inventory, picking, and shipment, every defect that is not detected on time can lead to customer claims, production delays, or loss of premium fabric yield.

With CATS, inspection becomes a structured and measurable process, allowing manufacturers to take corrective action early and improve production quality continuously.

How does CATS perform defect classification and roll mapping?

CATS captures and records defects during inspection and generates a complete defect map of each roll. This map provides visibility into the position, type, and frequency of defects, supporting better grading decisions and improving communication between inspection, production, and warehouse teams.

The system is highly configurable and can be adapted to different defect policies, scoring methods, and customer-specific requirements, including defect points, meters per roll, and cuttable defect rules.

How does CATS support real-time fabric inspection decisions?

CATS provides real-time decision support to the operator and machine management by continuously evaluating roll quality during inspection.

Based on inspection policies, the system can show a clear quality status while the roll is being analyzed, helping teams decide immediately whether defects should be removed, fixed, reported, or handled through optimized cutting.

This reduces delays, improves inspection accuracy, and prevents low-quality fabric from entering the supply chain without control.

How does CATS optimize fabric cutting and increase first-quality yield?

One of the primary functions of CATS is cutting optimization, designed to maximize the yield of first-quality fabric without additional production cost.

After a roll is inspected, the defect map is processed through an optimization algorithm that generates the best possible cutting plan. The system considers defect severity, defect distribution, and customer quality requirements to propose cutting coordinates that minimize off-quality fabric.

In certain cases, the optimization process can also combine pieces to produce longer first-quality rolls, increasing premium output and profitability.

How is CATS integrated with NOW ERP?

CATS delivers the greatest value when implemented as part of the NOW ERP System.

Through native integration with NOW, defect maps and inspection data automatically flow into ERP processes such as inventory management, warehouse operations, picking and packing, shipping, invoicing, and customer order allocation.

This integration also enables manufacturers to analyze defects across machines, processing lots, shifts, or operators, and to track production performance and quality trends over time.

CATS can also support the inspection of purchased greige or finished fabric through integration with NOW purchasing functions.

Can CATS work as a stand-alone system?

Yes. CATS can be installed and used in stand-alone mode, with a server and multiple inspection stations connected through a local network.

A permanent connection with the ERP host system is not required, allowing CATS to operate in high-availability environments. When connectivity is restored, inspection data can still be exchanged with NOW ERP, ensuring full traceability and process continuity.