Centric launches sample review Mobile Apps

The newest patent-pending mobile app from Centric—provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software for retail, apparel, footwear, luxury and consumer goods—offers an easy-to-use tool to quickly view and edit sample and style data on any iOS-enabled mobile device.

The app’s robust editing tools combine with the immediacy of mobile devices and the “single version of the truth about the product” in the Centric 8 PLM system to address a major bottleneck in the product development process. “The Sample Review Mobile App produces better communication with suppliers, faster, more accurate sample development, and a more rapid product development schedule,” says Chris Groves, president and CEO of Centric.

Instant update to PLM system

With the app, designers can view thumbnails of each sample (or styles associated with the samples) that they will review in the session. Tapping on a thumbnail image brings up a screen with all information from the Centric 8 PLM system that the designer needs to review the sample: properties, notes, and links to related documents, such as artwork specs, tech packs, technical datasheets and size charts. The designer can take photos and use a comprehensive suite of editing tools to add redlines free-form sketches and comments— including using the device’s microphone to record and place comments.

Reviewers can easily edit all fields of information on the mobile device screen, or by opening a related document such as a Tech Pack. The Sample Review Mobile App saves all changes to the Centric 8 PLM system instantly—or if an Internet connection is not available, saves changes on the device for later upload. The feedback and comments become available to the organization and designated supply chain via the Centric 8 PLM system which labels samples as “Not Reviewed,” “Passed” or “Failed.” Suppliers then can filter by review status, speed “Passed” items to the next step in the product development process, or begin to make requested changes on “Failed” items.

Results

The Sample Review Mobile App results in the ability to do a better job shaping products to meet market demand, says Groves. “By compressing cycle times and improving the efficiency of resources, Sample Review produces results that fall directly to the bottom line.”