Open Systems are based on common standrds applied across geographical and company lines. Computer users, increasingly frustrated by incompatible software and hardware, are beginning to demand such standrdization. For Open Systems to work, manufacturers and suppliers must be persuaded to abandon their own proprietary systems, and ways must be found to convert proprietary systems to Open Systems. Four areas in which standrds are required are communication between computers, software compatibility, data sharing, and user interfaces. Because of pressures to speed, up manufacturing, reduce errors, cut wastes, streamline operations, and become more responsive to customer needs, apparel manufacturers cannot afford to ignore Open Systems. The United States Department of Trade has created the Open Exchange network for managers who need advice regarding Open Systems.