In a consumption driven society, consumers get to
interact mainly with people in the sales outlets, whereas, there are other bare
bones such as manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers etc involved in the network
of 'Logistics'.
Apparel making has reached a phase wherein, it requires a
right blend of lead time, quality, and cost. Apparel manufacturers need to keep
abreast of the market trends so as to keep their rivals at bay. To facilitate
this, they need to have the right kind, and supply of the required fabrics that
match up with the current trends. Every apparel manufacturing company needs to
work out with logistics to bring the required fabrics on the cutting table on
the right time.
As per recent reviews, global market for fashion apparels is
estimated to be around $45 billion, with a predicted growth of 10% annually.
Demand for fashion apparels has given way for more specialized services in the
logistics industry. An ultimate apparel making firm needs to have good top
notch services such as design development, vendor compliance, quality check on
the apparels, packing, delivery, and ultimately good consumer demand. Supply
chain management and other logistics have become increasingly important for
companies to remain competitive in the global market. This includes the entire
chain of activities such as design, manufacturing, warehouse, delivery, and
service products.
A modern, efficient facility with appropriate storage
systems for the processing of merchandise is necessary. Adjustable garment rail
brackets enable a flexible system to adapt a seasonal and stylish change in the
garment industry. A trolley conveyer system with an operator input movement
will reduce the picking time by 50%. To curtail the costs, multi level floor-to-ceiling
bays can be created to enable fast order picking of flat and hanging garments.
This system will optimize the full height of the building, and also use less
floor space leaving more room for other activities. Sloped mesh decks makes
picking of garments easier, and more ergonomic also.
During the past, companies mostly focused on the internal
facts within their own company. Now they have started extending their efforts
well beyond, encompassing the entire supply chain. Technology is the latest hit
word in the apparel world. With novel technology solutions, apparel makers are attempting
to reap rewards with integrated supply chains. More focus is placed in
packaging improvements and standardization across the suppliers.
Apparels have a short life cycle, and their demand dies with
the changes in trends. So it is more important, that these merchandise reach
the store racks within a short period of its manufacture so as to satisfy the fickle
fashioned consumers. Currently, many apparel makers are going in the natural
way. New logistics platform structures mark the start of market integration,
making brands to expand their market across the globe. This makes competition
more intense, thereby putting the apparel merchandisers under more pressure for
survival.
Logistics in apparel industry is more trends driven,
comparatively over other verticals. The core principle for success in apparel
fashion business is the time to market. Most of the retailers today, source
their manufacturing operations to countries where labor costs are cheap. In
case of outsourcing manufacturing activities, turning a design concept into a
finished product requires much attention. Short response time is more important
to meet with the ever changing market demands. Controlling the complete product
lifecycle; from design to sale is called as vertical integration. Technology
and logistics need to get the job done on time, and also ensure good quality.
This will provide an end-to-end control of the process, adequate quality, cost
efficiency, and ultimately satisfied and long term customers.
The responsibility for planning, and maintaining appropriate
logistics is evolving continuously, becoming a challenging region, thereby
demanding more focus from the apparel manufacturers.
References:
- http://www.articlesinaclick.com
- http://www.logistics-business-review.com
- http://www.inboundlogistics.com
- http://www.laowee.com/