European retailer C&A adopts Coats Digital's GSDCost

The use of a common language and standards will ultimately support more accurate cost predictions, fact-based negotiations and a more efficient garment manufacturing process, while concurrently delivering on CSR commitments, throughout C&A’s wide-reaching, global supply chain.

With over 1,300 stores in 17 European countries and more than 27,000 employees, C&A is one of Europe’s leading fashion retailers. Everyday, C&A welcomes millions of visitors to its stores in Europe and to its online shop. C&A offers quality and long-lasting fashion at affordable prices for all. The company has head offices in Düsseldorf, Germany and Vilvoorde in Belgium.

Founded over 180 years ago and still family-owned after six generations, C&A continues to adapt and innovate to create attractive, affordable, ready-to-wear clothing, whilst supporting a more sustainable and ethical framework of doing business.

An active member of the ACT Group - a world-leading enabler of global energy transition which helps support organisations to hit their sustainability targets - C&A was challenged by the lack of common costing and sourcing methodology amongst its suppliers which resulted in inconsistent and disparate Cost to Make quotations and a lack of transparency with regards sustainable practices.

“As a member of the ACT group, we are continuously improving our supply chain to be more transparent, responsible and sustainable. GSDCost can bring transparency to our sourcing process through a standardised time management methodology, and further support the sustainable growth together with our supply partners,” Nitin Kumar, lead technical cost, C&A Sourcing Asia, said.

Coats Digital’s GSDCost method analysis and pre-determined times solution is widely acknowledged as the de-facto international standard across the sewn products industry. The solution supports a more collaborative, transparent and sustainable supply chain, in which brands and manufacturers establish and optimise ‘International Standard Time Benchmarks’ using standard motion codes and predetermined times. This use of a common language and standards supports accurate cost prediction, fact-based negotiation, and a more efficient garment manufacturing process, while concurrently delivering on CSR commitments.

“We are absolutely delighted to have partnered with C&A to introduce a scientific and objective method analysis process of costing and sourcing. GSDCost will enable the company to align Cost to Make data (CM) across its supply chain network, streamline cost negotiations, foster greater data sharing and improve business intelligence. By phasing in a ubiquitous, standardised language for establishing accurate benchmarks around production methods, production times and costs, C&A is effectively breaking down previously siloed walls of communication between the brand and its vendors so both can benefit from a more transparent, connected and profitable way of doing business, whilst also ensuring - as well as evidencing - sustainability and fair working practices. We look forward to working closely with C&A to ensure the seamless roll out of GSDCost across its supply chain partners and help it future proof its operation to meet the increasingly complex demands of a more discerning consumer,” Liv Zhang, sales director (Greater China), Coats Digital, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)