Today Leading Apparel Companies Face Unprecedented Product Development Challenges

Complex multi-channel distribution networks, dynamic consumer demands, pressure to deliver to increasingly aggressive calendars, and global sourcing have created a fast-changing environment where rapid decision making in product development means the difference between success and failure.

Major apparel companies are attempting to manage high rates of product change globally across multiple product calendars, using thousands of different materials, and producing more than ten thousand samples annually. Yet, apparel companies typically manage product data with disconnected systems, spreadsheets, and unstructured data.

Leading Apparel Companies are Turning to PLM to Maximize Value

Effective decision making and execution requires accurate product information and data. Today's apparel leaders are adopting Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) technology enabled by a single version of the truth (or Product Data Record) to manage product information, supplier collaboration, project management, compliance, and design re-use.

What is PLM in Apparel?

The components of a comprehensive PLM solution for the apparel industry can be broken down into four main capabilities:

• Strategic Capabilities enable Project Portfolio Management (PPM) of the product development process through advanced management programs. These more advanced solutions provide strategic road mapping tools as well as support ideation and idea management.
• Design Capabilities provide the ability to link customer needs to product requirements, providing design teams the information necessary to stay ahead of trends. Collaboration tools incorporated within the solutions enable dispersed, cross-functional teams to work together across CAD and rendering platforms. Additionally, data management enables quick and easy design creation from existing product records.
• Product Data Capabilities are the foundation for an effective PLM system, linking all information related to a product (the Product Record) and managing change to that information over time. All data including sketches, tech packs, bill-of-materials, time and action calendars, and costing are centrally housed providing a single version of truth across a firm's value chain.
• Supply Chain Capabilities are an important part of a comprehensive solution and integral to the development process. With globalization resulting in the outsourcing of production, a secure and efficient way of collaborating with external vendors as well as communicating changes in real-time enable apparel companies to increase speed to market.