Product Lifecycle Management or PLM softwares were originally designed for the automotive industry but has been adapted over the decades to service other industries. Due to the complexities of product development and supply chain as well as the ever-present challenges of quality management, speed and cost, the fashion and apparel industry was a clear candidate that could benefit from the top PLM softwares.
PLM/Product Lifecycle Management software was designed to manage all information and processes across a product’s lifecycle across global supply chains. The proposed benefits of product lifecycle management systems are the centralised data from products, documents, requirements, costings, orders, and workflows so that internal teams have visibility across all of their garment production, helping with a level of standardisation, quality management and change management.
It’s a compelling promise, yet all too often it ends up being a huge undertaking and ultimately under-delivers for the end-user, leaving them frustrated with their new product development process. Here we look at a number of the top PLM softwares from the current providers as well as a more agile alternative taking a different approach… (Spoiler Alert: It puts the customer experience first)
CentricSoftware
Centric Software is a product lifecycle management (PLM) solution for the fashion, luxury, and consumer goods industries. It is focused on large multinational businesses and is designed to speed up bringing new products to market, drive margin improvement, enhance global collaboration, and ensure compliance across a global supply chain. Clients include BassProShops, Barco Uniforms, Asics, Build a Bear, and Crocs. Centric is one of the leading software companies for enterprise businesses. As one of the top PLM softwares, It counts many fashion brands among its clients, but it isn’t clear whether it has any features unique to the fashion industry.
Features
- Change and Compliance Management
- Cost Tracking
- Design Management
- Product Data Management
- Supplier Management
- Bill of Materials
Pricing and Onboarding Fees
Not supplied. Pricing per feature.
Usability Rating
4.5/5 (Capterra)
Backbone PLM software
Backbone PLM is a platform that helps consumer goods companies manage complex design and product development processes. It was built by designers, for designers and is best suited to businesses who are designing highly complex products. It can be seen as an alternative to CAD software. Clients include Girlfriend Collective, Parachute, Western Rise, and Outdoor Voices.
Features
- Change and Compliance Management
- Cost Tracking
- Design Management
- Document Management
- Product Data Management
- Requirements Management
- Supplier Management
- Image and Color Library
- Bill of Materials
- BOM Management
Pricing and Onboarding Fees/Implementation time/Usability rating
Not stated
Summary
Backbone PLM is a comprehensive PLM system designed for fashion and consumer goods designers. It’s focused heavily on design requirements, especially creating libraries with reference materials.
WFX
WFX is a product lifecycle management for the fashion, footwear, and consumer goods industries. It allows companies to centralize product information, linking the entire product lifecycle from sourcing to production. Alerts can be triggered and progress tracked along the way. Create tech packs, plan collections, and track POs for greater visibility. Clients include Oka, Elk, Benetton India, and Forever New.
Features
- Design and Product Concepts: Capture photos and inspiration on buying trips and trade shows. Add notes and tags on the fly.
- Adobe Illustrator Connector: Pull libraries from Adobe to spend more time designing and not entering data.
- Supplier and Product Management
Pricing and Implementation Time
Not Stated
Usability Rating
4.2/5 (Capterra)
Summary
The system is comprehensive and was created with designers in mind. Some users say that it isn’t particularly intuitive to run reports, but collaboration is easy. It has multiple functions useful to fashion brands.
An alternative to PLM software
SupplyScope
SupplyScope is an all-inclusive software for product management that simplifies and streamlines the processes of product development, quality assurance, production communication, and supply partner management. Integrating these different aspects into one platform, SupplyScope offers a single, reliable source of information for all technical product specifications. Its use of AI accelerates product development and mitigates the risk of quality issues, ensuring products meet the highest standards.
Features:
- Tailored for Your Needs: Customise the tool to meet the specific requirements of your category, brand, and product.
- Effortless Customisation: Tailor the tool to match your exact specifications.
- Efficiency & Precision: Streamline your supplier management process.
- Empower Your Business: Make informed decisions and optimise supplier relationships.
Visit supplyscope.io to discover how SupplyScope can transform your product and supplier management.
Tips for Finding the right PLM Software (or Alternative) for your Fashion Business
There are many top PLM softwares available. Choosing the wrong one can impact your operations for the next ten years. Before you decide which software solution is right for you, take the following steps.
- Define the strategy. What do you want to accomplish with your system?
- What type of brand are you? Do you want to stay ahead of the competition? Do you like embracing new ways of operating?
- Do you believe in Systems Thinking?
- Do you care about collaborating more closely with your suppliers?
- Do you care about the ethics of the companies you buy your software from?
- Check how the system would work alongside your current tech stack.
- Determine whether the provider can meet your long-term and short-term goals for compliance and sustainability.
- Determine what the system should cost and what it should include.
Once you know exactly what you require, you can make an informed decision about the solutions and get on with manufacturing your products!