Regaining competitiveness using an ICT platform in a traditional industry: adoption of computer aided design for carpet weaving

The carpet industry is one of the most rapidly growing traditional industries in India. This is a handicraft and cottage industry that provides jobs right at doorstep of more than 100,000 workers, belonging to economically backward class of society. In the global carpet scenerio, the market share of Indian carpets is expanding rapidly. Jaipur and its adjacent districts are the major manufacturing clusters in Rajasthan that shares a substantial part (15%) of total carpet manufacturing from India. In fact Rajasthan carpets industry is more quality sensitive hence designs are one of critical elements of competitiveness. Rajasthan carpet Industry grew till 1995, but saturation in designs and increasing cost made it difficult to compete. PLC Consultation Ltd. offered a viable design solution by providing computer based designing system for carpets in 1998. In Rajasthan, Sarswati Carpets and K. P. & Company were the pioneers in implementing this technology to create a new range of designs. To make the technology available to all manufacturers, Rajasthan Carpet and Woolen Development Society, Jaipur has set up a Carpet Designing Centre in 2000. This society makes designs available at affordable prices, thereby facilitating the technology adoption. Results of technology implementation were remarkable in terms of revenue and other operational aspects. In a short period of 4 years revenue grew more than five fold. Enhancing the competitiveness has been the major positive effect of ICT adoption in the Rajasthan carpet industry. Both the software creator and the government agencies played a catalyzing role in supporting the technology adoption process.