Interview with Robert Lin

Robert Lin
President and CEO
SeaburyTFX (HK) Limited

Eventually all supply chains will need to be digitally managed

Seabury TFX is a specialist in trade finance. Unlike other supply chain finance providers, Seabury believes supply chain finance is the providing of cash flow all along the different points in a supply chain and not just after an invoice has been approved by the buyer. Robert Lin, President and CEO of SeaburyTFX (HK) Limited talks about cloud-based platforms which leverage big data with their knowledge of supply chain transactions to provide funding solutions for companies with Fibre2Fashion.com

What is the latest in cloud technology that can further strengthen the supplier, buyer and ease-of-capital linkage in the apparel value chain?

The evolution of telecommunications now makes cloud technology accessible everywhere. An apparel executive can now see whether they are at the sewing stage of a manufacturing cycle or at that the goods are already in transit and where it is in the world. This type of transparency of real time information is the key for correct decision-making as a funding provider to companies as we now know what is happening with the order or invoice that we are funding.

Who are your competitors and what USP differentiates you from others in this field?

We are leaders in true supply chain finance providing funding to companies at multiple stages along the supply chain. Traditional financiers and banks still rely purely on corporate and personal guarantees as well as paper processes. Our funding decisions utilise the latest in information about a company's business based on their ongoing business with their customers. Our funding solutions are unique as they are structured by experts in supply chain, technology and finance.

Which are the touch points across apparel value chain - from fibre to fashion - that this technology can be adapted?

Eventually, all supply chains will need to be digitally managed as business is simply moving too fast today for manual paperwork to work effectively. The same is true of funding providers servicing the apparel industry. If funding is not there at the right place at the right time, then that will delay the supply chain.

What percentage of players in the textile value chain has so far adopted this technology in your part of the world?

Our technology is applicable to all players, especially the small and medium size enterprises that account for over 80 per cent of the world's companies.

Which new geographies are you looking at? Where do Asia, China, Bangladesh, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan - some major apparel manufacturers stand in your scheme of things?

We are open to all geographies, and we are in the process of scaling up. Each market does have its unique attributes and we will approach each with care that is needed for the particular market.

What is the cost of implementing this technology? What are the recurring costs?

We work with supply chains that have already invested into digitising their supply chains. Thus, our solution is plug-and-play and easily implemented to be available to users of multiple supply chain communities. We provide funding that is competitive, and in most cases more readily available for companies that can demonstrate strong historical and ongoing performance.

Published on: 07/08/2015

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.