Empower Your Dreams and Ability with ApparelCompass™
Hello! We are ApparelCompass™ from The Tech Pack Shop. An application that is absolutely passionate about educating micro and small businesses about ways to bridge the 3D technology gap in apparel manufacturing to create full tech packs. To that end over the past two years, we have dedicated ourselves to creating an application that transforms and empowers the journey of micro and small businesses in the apparel sector. We believe that having access to fueling your purpose is truly a marvel.
Inspired Beginnings
When I was a kid, my mum made most of our clothes on an old Singer sewing machine. I was her little helper, threading the machine, cutting garments, and watching her sew. It was magical! My mum loved old Hollywood and European movies with their vibrant colors and flowing fabrics. She also baked bread, which I thought all mums did until I grew up and realised how really difficult it is and how special she was.
My mum's creativity and hard work inspired my passion for fashion. She is the reason I went to fashion school and studied fashion design. Many mums, tailors, and seamstresses around the world still make clothes this way, especially in the global South.
Purpose
Our mission is to change this narrative, one tailor at a time. One aspiring designer at a time. One aspiring clothing manufacturer at a time supporting talented individuals who do not have easy access to 3D technology. And lack of access may look like:
- Lack of access to stable electricity.
- Lack of access to stable and or fast internet.
- Lack of access to foreign exchange
- i.e dollars, which prevent consistent online purchases
- maintaining subscriptions over a long period of time
- Lack of access to training for sophisticated technology.
About ApparelCompass™
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ApparelCompass™ a fully automated Excel-based application, optimised for Office 2021 and Microsoft 365, is designed for apparel professionals who have limited access to sophisticated technology. Which means anyone can use it too. It's all about accessibility, affordability, and user-friendliness. With Copilot AI built in, get any question answered.
Key features include:
- Automated Pantone® colour selection for mood boards
- Automated headers
- Automated page headers and style pages
- Line sheets with automated pricing and SKUs
- Approvals for colours and printed fabrics.
- Calculate breakdowns and consumption.
- Do due diligence and assign contracts.
- Sample requests, BOMs, cost sheets, customer invoices, lots of automation and more.
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The Impact
Imagine a world where small businesses exclusively use ApparelCompass™. With just Microsoft Excel and an internet connection. Businesses can streamline their processes and scale efficiently. Your support will help bridge the technology gap, empowering countless entrepreneurs to thrive.
If everyone contributed $26 - $86, we could be funded in a day. Just imagine. Aminata in Sierra Leone could finally scale her business, moving from hand measurements and forgotten patterns to a streamlined, efficient process. This could lift many micro and small businesses out of poverty.
By supporting our campaign, you are not just funding an application, you are enabling countless entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the growth of their communities. Your contribution will help bridge the technology gap, empowering these businesses to thrive in a competitive market.
Milestones, Goals and Perks
Milestones
- Phase one: Initiation, Planning, Development - Status: Accomplished
- Phase two: Refinement, Alpha Testing, Audit - Status: In process
- Phase three: Refinement, Beta Testing, Web Training - Status: Pending
- Phase four: Branding, Marketing, Outreach - Status: In process
- Phase five: Deployment and maintenance - Status: Pending
Funding Goals and Codesign
We are seeking $259,000 to bring ApparelCompass™ to market. These funds will be allocated towards:
- Goal $85,000: Finalise and refine development of ApparelCompass™.
- Goal $25,000: Alpha testing and audit of ApparelCompass™.
- Goal $35,000: Develop and refine sketches, patterns and manuals.
- Goal $44,000: Beta testing and training programs.
- Goal: $30,000: Full branding and marketing outreach.
- Goal: $36,000: Support and maintenance
This breakdown ensures that each critical area of the project is adequately funded, enabling us to bring ApparelCompass™ to market successfully and support micro and small businesses effectively.
Perks
We have five perks unique pers and two initiatives.
- The 30 for 30 by 30 - Peer Review Initiative.
- The 100 for 100 - Giveaway Initiative.
- The Intro Perk for the absolute beginners.
- The Starter Pack for those who just need the basics.
- The Designer Kit for advanced users.
- The Manufacturer Bundle for workflow enhancement
- The Complete Business Pack for comprehensive needs.
Expertise
With over two decades of experience in the apparel industry using Excel, fifteen years modifying Excel using functions and VBA, eight years of HTML, CSS and Javascript and a year and half of Python, the founder has the knowledge and skills to deliver on our promises. Having worked with top brands like Ralph Lauren, PVH, and Target, bringing a wealth of expertise to this project.
Risks and Challenges
While we initially faced challenges with local MS Excel usage, we've solved these by moving to a cloud-based modular application and solution. This ensures data storage, updates, security, and processing efficiency.
Timeline
Our goal is to roll out by the end of May 2025 and the beginning of June after testing and peer reviews. All other developments, including sketching, patterns, and manuals, will overlap with the application and website process. Here is out timeline.
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Our Commitment:
Our commitment is to bring simple solutions to as many people as possible in the world of apparel micro and small businesses. Continually improving the user experience making our tools accessible to everyone and leveraging our expertise and that of others to overcome any hurdles.
Impact-Driven: Our mission is to empower micro and small businesses, particularly in the global South, by providing them with accessible and affordable technology. Your support will directly contribute to improving the livelihoods of countless entrepreneurs and their communities.
Community Support: By joining our campaign, you become part of a community dedicated to making a positive impact. Together, we can bridge the technology gap and create opportunities for those who need it most. Your trust and support are invaluable to us. Together, we can make a significant difference.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute financially, please share our campaign using the Indiegogo link tool. Together, we can make a significant difference.
We're also looking for volunteers to become ApparelCompass™ ambassadors to test, improve and spread the word of the application! Contact us at apparelcompass@thetechpackshop.com
That carrot that ate the stick became the stich that ate the pie. We thank you for your contributions.
