Gerber's FLM Suite provides global, real-time visibility and control throughout the product development and lifecycle management processes from planning to sourcing. FLM combines the power of WebPDM, the industry's leading product data management solution, with a robust, scaleable enterprise-wide workflow engine and collaboration tools.
FLM integrates three essential layers: Design, Product Data Management and Information Collaboration. Each layer comprises powerful tool sets that provide modular functionality.
"With the year-in, year-out continuation of market forces, companies involved in the apparel industry need to ensure their solutions will address these issues," Brewster added. "Analysts currently project investment in software and hardware solutions to remain conservative. We believe the best investment for addressing these issues today and into the future is a fully functional Fashion Lifecycle Management (FLM) solution.
The first step is understanding your own landscape and evaluating what you have, and what you need. The second step is understanding exactly how your solution can help prepare your company to address the oncoming challenges."
At its last Software User's Conference, Gerber Technology customers participated in a variety of Q&A sessions led by its team of experts. Various tracks focused on burning industry issues, understanding the industry landscape and where things are headed. Users also participated in product focused sessions with titles such as: "What is FLM?" "How do I get started in PLM?" and another one focusing on the uncertainty surrounding PLM.
Customers were also able to address specific concerns as they looked for ways to protect and extend their investments. Many of the sessions at the conference provided a foreshadowing of issues to be encountered in 2008. Session tracks included 3-D Prototyping, CAD Automation, FLM Implementation, and Supply Chain Management. Gerber software solutions are used by more organizations in the apparel industry than any other provider. A sampling of customers using Gerber Technology solutions include: Abercombie & Fitch, adidas, American Eagle, Carrefour, Gap, Haggar, Levi's, Li & Fung Limited, Mervyns, Otto, PacSun, Perry Ellis and Polo.