If you are looking for a fashion PLM software (product lifecycle management software), TRIMIT Fashion can be an option. The fashion software solution is based on Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and works by adding fashion-specific capabilities like design and innovation management to the world-leading ERP solution.
This blog post takes a closer look at PLM software and explains how fashion companies can work with product lifecycle management directly in TRIMIT Fashion. This is done by answering the following questions:
What is a fashion PLM software?
A fashion PLM software is a software that manages product information right from the design and innovation phase of a style (product) through production, delivery, and service.
The data and documents managed in a PLM can be about i.e.:
- Concepts
- Work in progress
- Revisions
- Approvals
Since most, if not all, product information can be stored in a PLM software, such systems are often integrated with other types of business software such as ERP systems (Enterprise Resource Management systems) to take further advantage of the data.
Why is PLM software relevant for fashion companies?
PLM software is relevant for fashion companies because the software offers a platform not only for storing product data but also for collaboration across departments.
Imagine having to keep track of the following data examples for just one product in a spreadsheet:
- Design sketches
- Sizes and measurements
- Materials: fabrics, leather, thread etc.
- Care labels
- Samples
Please bear in mind that these are only a few examples of what can quickly become a vast amount of data regarding a single product. On top of this you need to add the many revisions, comments, prices, dates etc. that is a part of the product development process and whole product lifecycle.
Now think of the fact that fashion companies sell more than one product. - The task of managing product development can be overwhelming and time-consuming without the right system in place.
How can a fashion company work with PLM in Dynamics NAV?
Dynamics NAV is a generic business solution, also known as ERP software. A fashion company will most likely need the solution to be customized with for instance PLM functionality in order to be able to work efficiently in the system.
However, there is an alternative to costly and time-consuming customization.
TRIMIT Fashion is an industry-ready software solution specifically developed for the fashion industry. The flexible and scalable solution is based on Dynamics NAV and comes with most of the capabilities a fashion company needs.
Simplified look at PLM in TRIMIT Fashion
In TRIMIT Fashion, working with product data across the solution is made easy. The solution is comprehensive, so this is a simplified overview of how a product and it's data is used and monitored all the way from design to delivery:
Design
- Information about new styles and designs can be created, stored, and modified via wizards.
- Bill of Materials, prices, categories, collections, critical path/workflows etc. can be handled
- Communication with suppliers is simplified with a web-based supplier portal
Sales
- Orders can be entered via matrix, sale of assortments/boxes is an option, special order types is an option etc.
- Products can also be sold via sales agents with access to the online sales agent portal, a B2B or B2C webshop can easily be launched, and staff in stores can get access to information via an online InStore solution
Purchase
- Shopping suggestions are automatically created based on offers/sales or production
- Communicate and store information about offers and deals from suppliers, register purchase invoices
Manufacturing
- Creation of bill of materials (BOMs) from order, demand planning, pre and post calculation
Inventory and Logistics
- Add in stock, pick lists, management of consignment stock, distribution of goods to customers
- Communication with suppliers regarding delivery dates and numbers in the supplier portal. Overview of content in incoming and outgoing containers etc.
CRM and Claims
- Efficiently answer questions regarding orders, invoices, deliveries
- Manage returns and claims with registration of causes and solutions
Finance and Accounting
- Provision from purchase and sale (charges, freight, commission)
- consolidated invoicing, services charges, automation of trade between subsidaries etc.
Reporting and BI
- Advanced sales statistics
In the fashion industry, the lead times are mostly extremely short and by storing all product and business information in one single software solution, you get valuable product and process visibility and can make the right decision at the right time.
More Information
If you would like to get a free demo of TRIMIT Fashion by one of our product specialists, please fill out the form on the page Request a demo.
You can find more information about our solution on the page TRIMIT Fashion.