A fashion PLM software is a software solution designed to speed up the product development process in fashion companies. It stores information about styles (products) from concept, design, through manufacturing and service to disposal.
Example of a product lifecycle management process
Examples of fashion product information are i.e.:
- Design sketches
- Measurements
- Materials
- Samples
- Season
- Comments
- Revisions
All ideas, thoughts, and data regarding a style can be saved in a fashion PLM system, and this can be shared, used, and re-used as needed.
Integration With ERP
Fashion PLM solutions are often integrated with other business software solutions such as ERPs to reuse the information. This can give fashion companies a more complete look into their business.
The difference between the two software solutions is that:
- PLM software manages information related to a style and the development of the style
- ERP software manages production resources and finances among other business activities
The two are complementary software.
Fashion PLM Software in Practice
Let’s consider the creation of a pair of jeans, where several people or teams can be involved at different phases. By using a fashion PLM software, everybody involved in the creation process can communicate and collaborate from various locations at any time.
Everyone can access the specifications, they can decide on the following project stage, and divide tasks and responsibilities while following a specific time frame.
Benefits of a Fashion PLM Software
With a good fashion PLM software, all parties involved in product development can interact and collaborate on the same platform. They all have access to the latest product status and information, which helps to:
- Minimize errors and delays
- Makes communication and collaboration easier
- Manage product innovation
- Shorten product development
- Reduce time to market