NETHERLANDS: Mexx makes moves into fast fashion - PTC.com

to manage, control and access product data and imagery – which is time consuming and
potentially confusing.
For instance, when a designer creates a new garment pattern, the changes must be
communicated to the rest of the team. PDM and PLM software enables this information to be
communicated automatically to everyone involved – from trim suppliers to factories – and be
analysed too.
A positive, but little-mentioned side-effect is increased job satisfaction for designers, who are
often side-tracked by administrative tasks and have less time to carry out the creative
conceptual work.
So far, users of the FlexPLM system are staff in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Turkey, India
working in Mexx Europe’s XX division (the juniors line, which represents around 12% of
Mexx’s business).
Initial functionalities cover corporate libraries, security, image integration, raw materials,
product specs, bill of materials, factory allocation, estimate costing and reporting. Workflow
and the vendor portal will be added next.
As for the lessons learned so far, Reeve’s checklist includes the following:
- keep the scope of the implementation in check; don’t overwhelm users or the system;
- understand the differences between the US and European requirements;
- fast is not fast enough; everyone wants it and wants it quick;
- don’t underestimate resource requirements, the skill levels of key personnel, or the
challenges of system integration;
- and, of course, the time-consuming public relations to communicate the changes to
executives and product divisions.
The final word goes to PTC’s director of marketing, consumer products, Matthew Austin. He
makes the observation: “You can’t get any lower in terms of cost, so the only way to
differentiate yourself is through marketing or design, and designers don’t want to be
sidetracked by other functions. Stripping these out provides transparency of information.”
And that, surely, will be the new mantra governing tomorrow’s apparel supply chain.
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