Apparel sector gets valuable insights at CGS event

The exclusive, invitation only event featured the industry’s leading companies in wholesale, retail, manufacturing, as well as the next generation of industry leaders from across the UK and Europe. Approximately 100 delegates were in attendance from companies such as ASOS, Burberry, Crystal Martin, Diane von Furstenberg, Harrods, Marks & Spencer, Mothercare, New Look, Phase Eight, Reiss, Tesco and Ted Baker.  

Representatives from key industry bodies, associations and media were also in attendance including The British Fashion Council, Drapers, Verdict Research, UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), and rising talent from the London College of Fashion.

“It was an honor to host such a significant event for the fashion industry’s elite from across Europe,” said Paul Magel, President of the Applications Solutions Division at CGS. “We are grateful for the dynamic leaders that participated and the invaluable takeaways they provided to attendees that will help their companies thrive for years to come.”

The program, chaired by WhichPLM editor Ben Hanson, featured several dynamic speakers including CEO of One iota, Damian Hanson. His presentation focused on where companies can identify value in their current operations to remain competitive and keep pace in 2013. Product development expert Morag Ashworth then discussed the evolution of the fashion business and how manual processes were eventually replaced by the introduction of Computer Aided Design. She also highlighted the limitations of non-web based products and how to fully utilize mobile devices in product development.

Strategic planner and re-engineering expert, Sjors Bos, who previously held roles at Ben Sherman, Nike and Timberland, provided a compelling account and raw insight into how companies are able to overcome everyday challenges with the right balance of processes, people and web-based systems.

"It is disappointing to see that in 2013 the fashion industry is still relying on the heavy use of manual processes such as Excel and email,” said Bos, Managing Director for Future Forward Consulting. “This wastes a company’s talent pool when there are modern, web-based, easy to use templates readily available that enable teams to focus on being productive rather than tie up valuable resources.”

Mark Harrop, CEO of WhichPLM, examined the future of the fashion industry and trends that will define a new and revolutionary way companies do business.

"The fashion business is now experiencing a period of unchartered seas that demands companies to embrace leaner processes and technologies to help steer them toward joining the dots across the entire-extended-enterprise,” said Harrop. “A new age of consumer expectations is making continued investments in technology innovations and lean processes a must.”