In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of fashion, time is of the essence. Apparel companies are constantly evolving to bring new products to market as quickly as possible. Streamlining operations is critical to reduce time-to-market, and maintain a competitive edge.
However, the process of designing, developing, and manufacturing apparel can be complex and time-consuming, with numerous challenges that can delay product launches.
This is where Apparel Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software comes into play, offering a powerful solution to streamline operations and accelerate time to market.
Apparel Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software is a comprehensive digital platform that manages the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept to final delivery. In today’s circular economy, the product’s story spans from raw materials to end-of-life stages.
It serves as a centralized hub for all product-related data, enabling seamless collaboration among designers, merchandisers, suppliers, and manufacturers.
By integrating various processes and stakeholders, PLM software ensures efficient communication, streamlined workflows, and real-time visibility throughout the product development cycle.
Accelerating time to market is crucial in the apparel industry, where trends and consumer preferences can shift rapidly. Delays in bringing new products to market can result in missed opportunities, reduced sales, and ultimately, decreased profitability.
Apparel PLM software addresses this challenge by optimizing processes, reducing errors, and facilitating faster decision-making, enabling companies to respond swiftly to market demands. It’s the ‘Easy Button” of the sewn goods industry.
The apparel industry faces numerous challenges that can impede time to market. Some of the most common issues faced are:
Design Complexities: Apparel design involves intricate details, such as patterns, fabrics, trims, and embellishments, which can be time-consuming to manage and communicate effectively.
Supply Chain Issues: Global supply chains, with multiple suppliers and manufacturers, can lead to communication breakdowns, delays, and quality control issues, slowing down the production process.
Fast Fashion Demands: The rise of fast fashion has increased pressure on apparel companies to deliver new products at an unprecedented pace, challenging traditional development cycles.
Regulatory Compliance: Navigating various regulations, such as product safety standards and labeling requirements, can add complexity and time to the product development process.
These challenges highlight the need for a robust and efficient system to manage the entire product lifecycle, ensuring that products are brought to market quickly and efficiently.
Apparel PLM software offers a range of features and functionalities designed to streamline processes and accelerate time to market. These solutions often integrate with other enterprise systems, such as ERP and supply chain management tools.
Having ERP integration allows enhanced efficiency and visibility across the entire product lifecycle. Now let’s take a look at some other key features of Apparel PLM software.
A single, centralized repository for all product-related data, including technical specifications, bills of materials, costing information, and design files, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing errors.
A secure, cloud-based platform that enables real-time collaboration among cross-functional teams, suppliers, and manufacturers, facilitating seamless communication and decision-making.
Automated workflows for tasks such as sample tracking, change management, and approval processes, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring consistent and timely execution.
Streamlined communication and collaboration with suppliers, enabling efficient sharing of technical specs, sample tracking, and approval management.
Comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities, providing valuable insights into product performance, trends, and areas for improvement, enabling data-driven decision-making.
Seamless integration with other enterprise systems, such as ERP, CRM, and PLM solutions, ensuring a cohesive and efficient flow of data across the organization.
By leveraging these features, Apparel PLM software empowers companies to optimize their
product development processes, reduce time to market, and stay ahead of the competition.
Implementing Apparel PLM software is a strategic decision that requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition and successful integration:
This may sound like a lot and to be honest, it is. That’s why any PLM software provider worth their salt will consult with you, and then make the setup a reality.
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software is a game-changer in product development and management. The end result is improved efficiency, reduced time-to-market, and better product quality, all while promoting sustainability by optimizing resource utilization and minimizing waste throughout the product lifecycle.
PolyPM offers a comprehensive, scalable, and user-configurable PLM solution for businesses in the sewn-goods industry. By leveraging Polygon’s expertise and PolyPM’s apparel PLM software, businesses can reduce time to market and operate more efficiently.
Polygon, PolyPM’s developer, brings over 30 years of technology solutions to the sewn-products and textile industries. The company invented apparel CAD in the 1970s and remains committed to cutting-edge solutions.
Polygon has thousands of successful installations worldwide, providing confidence in rapid, low-risk deployment of apparel PLM software.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out to the team at Polygon.