Technology has become a driving force behind the international apparel industry–helping to reduce costs, cut lead times, and facilitate global collaboration.

Predicting and maintaining the stability of the value chain has become increasingly complex as a result of globalization. In order to achieve a lean strategic advantage, apparel manufacturers, who have traditionally been slow to embrace IT solutions, are starting to see them as possible saviors. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) has expanded from something implemented only by the industry’s giants to an essential tool for mid-sized companies.

While many companies employ CAD/CAM and even PLM systems, one of the biggest challenges now is the smooth integration of these various “point solutions” into one seamless and reliable information chain.

The ability to integrate these solutions – from design to development and PLM - has been a priority for Lectra’s R&D team. For example, the company’s Kaledo solution for fashion and textile design is now integrated into the Lectra Fashion PLM solution, eliminating the time and expense created by creating an additional interface to link the two solutions.

Well-established as a leader in CAD/CAM solutions, Lectra has parlayed its 35 years of providing apparel industry solutions, plus its many patented technologies, into what might well be described as the most comprehensive PLM solution for the apparel industry.

When functions such as line planning, scheduling, costing, sourcing and performance monitoring are integrated with fashion and textile design and development, apparel manufacturers can finally get a comprehensive and transparent look at their entire supply chain. The benefit is the ability to spot potential issues immediately–before they derail production. In addition, by being able to see a total picture of the production process, manufacturers can more easily identify areas where products can be re-engineered, material usage can be reduced, and inefficiencies can be squeezed out of the supply chain.

“Collaboration throughout the supply chain is becoming more important, particularly as companies become increasingly global,” said Andreas Kim, Lectra’s General Manager for Japan and China. The ability to efficiently manage the entire production process at all sites and all countries is critical if manufacturers are to meet retail’s demands for more collections delivered on short lead times and at reduced costs. “It is essential for everyone on the team, in all departments, to be able to work together regardless of where they are located,” he added.

“Inside Fashion plays an important role for Lectra in many ways. We have been advertising with Inside Fashion for more than 18 years, and the magazine has contributed significantly to creating awareness of Lectra’s products to key companies in the global market, as well as supporting our new product launches,” said Mr. Kim.

“In addition, I am an avid reader of Inside Fashion. It’s a valuable source of information about the industry that helps to shape our marketing strategy.”

Lectra has positioned itself as a “relational value player” with a mission to lead with value rather than price. “We see ourselves as “technical consultants,” said Mr. Kim. The company is able to leverage its extensive hands on experience in the apparel industry to help apparel manufacturers find solutions to some of their biggest challenges–whether that is expansion or cost reduction.

“We are looking to provide manufacturers with solutions that provide comprehensive results,” said Mr. Kim. “We see ourselves as their partners–working together to improve or remove issues in the manufacturing process.”