Raw materials are the source of success

Global sourcing has become essential for many apparel retailers. Overseas manufacturing offers cost savings, and sourcing products both domestically and internationally ensures the widest possible range of choice. So we've teamed up with Momentis to deliver an integrated Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution that can help you source raw materials in-house and leave the competition trailing.

Traditionally, most apparel retailers have contracted their manufacturers to take care of the entire garment production process. But many leading retailers are now rethinking the cost of this convenience. They want to reduce lead times and production cycles to quickly introduce new merchandise. Similarly, they understand that quality control is more important than ever before.

The simplicity of "one-stop shopping" is no longer seen as a reasonable trade-off for the extra time the manufacturers require to source the materials.

The need for speed

Sourcing raw materials in-house can help speed the process and put you in complete control. Using PLM, you can manage all the steps and variables associated with sourcing and buying fabrics, to precisely execute your vision and get new products to market fast. Here's how:

• Shorter cycles, faster turns
  For manufacturers, raw materials sourcing can account for up to half of the overall production cycle. By taking an early position on your raw materials, you can cut the 15- to 20-week production cycle down to a eight or nine weeks.
• Higher quality, ahead of trends
  Self-sourcing materials also makes you much more responsive to changing market trends. You can identify the latest materials, locate the right producers, and thoroughly pre-test samples against your designs. As a result, you can offer more original, higher quality merchandise.

Use the right solution to achieve the right results

Our integrated PLM system streamlines not only the actual production process but all the steps leading up to it as well – from researching, sourcing, and tracking the fabric to buying the trims – while directing the critical path and coordinating every action involved.

Control your fabrics and trims

Sourcing and Product Development means you can carefully manage dye lot control and all other fabric variables. The system identifies each roll with numbers that track all of its unique characteristics. In this way, any inconsistencies that could affect grading and marking from one roll to the next can be caught and corrected before anything is actually cut and wasted.

The solution also lets you control all other materials, including linings, trims, padding, and buttons. It helps you source all these products and get them in stock on time so you can go ahead and produce.

Streamline communications and approvals

Clear communication is critical to smooth production, especially when dealing with tight timelines and companies overseas. Our solution includes a variety of modules to ensure efficient data and process management, so that each action involving your raw materials is based on clear directives, appropriately timed, and visible to all concerned.

The production process itself is controlled by a separate module called Critical Path Management. This allows you to map the production process and issue tasks to everyone involved, internally and externally, at a level that is as detailed or high-level as you need.

Leading retailers such as Oasis, Lipsy, Aldo, Bench, Diesel, and La Senza are all using this integrated solution to transform their sourcing.