Skillfully sustaining profits with PLM

While intelligence, creativity, and talent are key attributes that address many of the daily challenges businesses face, there are certain issues that demand more than these qualities for a comprehensive solution. Some tasks cannot be accurately performed manually, necessitating the intervention of technology. In the realm of textiles and apparel, technology has been consistently introduced to ensure not only the fundamental manufacturing processes but also the complex tasks of analyzing market trends and sales patterns are executed accurately.

The fashion sector experiences major and minor transitions daily, making the application of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) a valuable approach for apparel manufacturers. PLM ensures more efficient production while considering environmental concerns.

Today, fashion trends change frequently, with numerous seasons displaying the latest styles. The simple act of manufacturing trendy designs can lead to significant errors. In the past, these errors were considered part of the cost of doing business. However, retailers and manufacturers have recognized that PLM can help eliminate these errors, leading to its widespread adoption. According to vendors, PLM software can reduce a product's lifecycle management time from an average of 120 days to approximately 60 days.

Emerging markets have increasingly relied on PLM systems as American and European markets have matured. In countries like China, where the fashion industry historically did not heavily rely on information technology, recent financial crises have changed this stance. Today, the textile and apparel industry in China recognizes the importance of technology in later stages of business operations.

The use of PLM has significantly optimized overall production, resulting in cost reduction. PLM is now more commonly used in the textile sector in Brazil. Other countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and some African nations view PLM systems as a necessity rather than a luxury. However, even as PLM usage increases in developing nations, it remains largely confined to large-scale textile production facilities.

According to a report from the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (SEBRAE), the adoption of PLM systems is still limited because most textile industries focus on introducing and improving technology at the basic level of production. Post-production application of technology requires additional capital, which is challenging for these industries to secure.

The growth of the retail sector in developing nations has compelled some high-end brands to recognize the efficiency that PLM systems bring in terms of accuracy, profit, and innovation. However, smaller retailing and production houses often employ line managers to gather essential information, unaware that PLM systems can perform the same tasks more accurately without requiring monthly payments.