Role of PLM in Global Apparel Industry

The apparel industry has witnessed a remarkable change, Globalization has brought brand recognition and the new developed market has opened opportunities for many. This new market contributes to a broad range of challenges from the competition and pricing pressure has increased a line complexities. The apparel brands, retailers and suppliers are in search for competitive advantages over each other. They are looking for new trends and creative ideas to lure the fashion crazy markets. Achieving this requires superior communication and sophisticated data management that delivers flawless visibility into material, product and development activities. Researchers have identified Apparel PML (Product Management Cycle) as one of the newest technology trends in the industry.

PML is designed in such a way that it addresses these needs of the industry – specific, multi- dimensional functionality that global fashion companies require. It gives the manufacturers the ability to respond with faster, more efficient and cost- effective operations and products. This system integrates people, data, process and business systems and provides the product information backbone, which fashion companies require in this competitive and fast – paced industry. It enables teamwork between suppliers and seller; it ensures that both the parties work on the same page throughout the design, development and sourcing processes. This system helps in managing the entire product development, quality and compliance data, images and processes in a single solution.

Benefits of PML:

ü  Improved Product Quality

ü  Streamlined Sourcing Processes

ü  More effective Cost  Management

ü  Cycle Time Reductions

ü  More Effective Cost Management

The technology is being used to its fullest in all parameters. The internet also plays in a vital role in bringing the Fashion PML industry to this level. Concepts like real - time calendar is provided to vendors to effectively manage the concept- to consumer's process. Users, managers and vendors are notifies in real-time of problems that affect development or delivery of products. It also has the ability to drill down and solve the problem(s) with a click of a button.

PML functionality Includes:

• Merchandising  and Line Planning
• Concept to Production Work Flow
• Color and Material Development
• Digital Asset and Document Management
• Sample Cost and Inventory
• Storyboard and Line Sheets
• Adobe Illustrator Integration
• Specification and Bill of Materials
• Sample Management and Tracking
• Embedded Email Messaging
• Time and Action Calendar Alerts
• Collaborative Event Tracking

These  digital assets and document management is integrated with Adobe Illustrator  to provide access to all the relevant images and important designs, packaging, import/ export and documentation that is required for the compliance. Functions like Managing the digital assets, product development, purchasing, sample approval, tracking the workflow all is combined in one. This enables faster time – to – market, increased process visibility and collaboration.