PLM solutions are evolving into product innovation platforms
CIMdata is one of the leading global strategic management consulting and research organisations focused exclusively on the PLM (product lifecycle management) market. Peter Bilello, President of CIMdata, chats about the potential of PLM solutions among apparel manufacturers in Asia.
PLM for apparel and fashion needs to be more dynamic than those for other markets. What new does CIMdata offer for the apparel segment?
As a strategic management consulting firm, CIMdata works with clients in the apparel and fashion industry, among many others, to define and realise their product lifecycle management strategies. Our primary services include strategy and vision development, solution definition, solution evaluation & selection, implement road mapping and implementation, ROI and readiness analysis, process improvement, and quality assurance.
Which are your major markets for PLM in apparel and fashion?
Historically, we have offered services to companies in North America and Europe, but we have expanded over the last 10+ years to support companies in Asia, South America and other key global markets.
Can PLM requirements be customised to suit a particular apparel manufacturer?
Yes, PLM solutions, in general, are very flexible when it comes to the data to be managed and workflows/processes to be supported. This flexibility allows those to address specific needs of an apparel manufacturer.
What does CIMdata view as core technologies for apparel?
Portfolio/product line management and distributed collaboration (e.g., supplier collaboration) are two of the most important core capabilities that support the apparel industry.
With consumers demanding instant gratification and personalisation in garments, are modern PLMs ready to incorporate such challenges?
The solutions in the market today vary significantly in their support in this critical area. Some of the solutions provide good support in this area, others are weak.
What will the future PLM solutions provide?
In many cases, PLM solutions are evolving into product innovation platforms. By doing so, they are providing more configurable and upgradable sets of data and process capabilities that support specific workflows and industry requirements.
Where is the demand the most in the Asian region? Which are your biggest markets, and the upcoming and promising ones?
In general, demands are dependent of countries, more so than region. For example, in Japan, the demand is more so in traditional industries (e.g., auto). For China, it is on traditional as well as non-traditional industries like food & beverage and retail. For India, it is aerospace and defence. In general, the growth areas, beyond traditional areas, include footwear & apparel, food & beverage, and retail.
What are the near-future plans at CIMdata?
In Asia, CIMdata is currently working with partners in Japan, China, and India to host and expand our PLM-related education services. These services are focused on educating individuals and organisations on the meaning and value of PLM.
Please share details of growth in the last two fiscal years and your expectations for the next two.
CIMdata has tracked the PLM market since the late-1980s. Our market forecast is strong and we expect the global PLM market to continue to grow more than 6 per cent a year, with some sub-segments growing more than 10 per cent. Last year, the total global PLM market was more than $40 billion.
Published on: 26/05/2017
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
