How can your apparel business integrate PLM and ERP?7 min read

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Summary 

  • If you are looking to optimize time while managing your business finances and fashion collections, systems like PLM and ERP are essential.
  • They assist in controlling expenses from the start of product creation to the delivery to customer. 
  • Experience a new way of creating and producing! Try Audaces360 multisolution for free. 

The fashion industry is highly dynamic and competitive, challenging business owners to keep up with the demands and ensure operational efficiency for long-term success. 

The integration of software systems such as PLM and ERP is a strategical option for companies aiming to streamline creation, production, and management processes. 

In the next lines, we will show you the role of PLM and ERP in fashion companies, highlighting functionalities and benefits. 

Enjoy your reading!

PLM and ERP: what are they, and what are the differences? 

PLM and ERP are popular systems used by companies, each playing different functions: 

What is PLM? 

PLM is a system that manages the product life cycle from conception to the result. It covers every stage, including design, development, manufacturing, distribution, use, and maintenance. 

Moreover, it eases collaboration in multidisciplinary teams, document management, revision control, change management, product simulation and analysis, and other functionalities. 

The primary goal of PLM is to ensure that the product is developed and maintained as efficiently as possible, from the early stages to the end of its life cycle. 

What is ERP? 

ERP is an integrated system that allows businesses to manage and automate processes in areas like accounting, finances, human resources, purchasing, sales, production, and logistics. 

It provides a comprehensive and real-time overview of all company operations, enabling better informed and efficient decision-making. ERP integrates data and processes of the entire business, eliminating misinformation and enhancing operational performance. 

ERP’s main goal is to optimize resources, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity. 

Differences between PLM and ERP

While PLM focuses on the product life cycle, from development to result, ERP intends to manage resources and business processes. 

PLM is better for design and manufacturing product industries, whereas ERP serves a variety of sectors and business functions. 

Both can integrate to provide a comprehensive solution, covering the product life cycle and the business processes. 

Learn more: Discover how to enhance productivity in the textile business chain

Download now the Audaces360 free trial!

Why is it worth investing in PLM and ERP in fashion companies? 

Investing in PLM and ERP in fashion companies can bring several benefits. These systems assist in managing the complete product life cycle, from design to customer delivery. 

PLM enables companies to enhance collaboration among design, production, and marketing teams, stimulating information sharing and tracking the progress of each project. It can lead to a reduction of time for product development and an increase in quality. 

On the other hand, ERP is essential for streamlining business processes such as inventory and supplier management, purchasing, sales, and finances. By integrating all these operations into a single system, companies can reduce errors and make more informed decisions. 

Additionally, both PLM and ERP offer a better understanding of activities through data analytics. It enables companies to identify market trends, customer demands, and operational efficiencies. 

By investing in these technologies, fashion companies can enhance their competitiveness, increase efficiency, and ultimately drive growth and profitability. 

Learn more: How to perform effective supplier management and why it’s important 

5 benefits of integrating PLM and ERP

5 benefits of integrating PLM and ERP

1) Easy management 

With integrated PLM and ERP, companies can manage the complete product lifecycle and their business processes more efficiently, all from a single platform. It streamlines management and enables a better overview of operations. 

Learn more: Enhance productivity in sectors of the textile industry with technology 

2) Reduction of errors and rework 

These tools help to reduce errors and rework, as data is consistent and updated in real-time for everyone. It ensures the accuracy of information and, therefore, product quality. 

3) Data security 

The integration of PLM and ERP provides a secure environment for storing and managing important data, including confidential information about products, suppliers, and customers. It helps to prevent security breaches and data leaks. 

4) Team communication 

Communication and collaboration can be enhanced between different teams across the company, such as design, production, purchasing, and sales. Everyone has access to the same updated information, improving efficiency and decision-making. 

5) Process tracking  

These systems combined assist in tracking the progress of all companies’ processes. With this kind of information, it’s possible to identify areas for improvement, optimize workflows, and guarantee your fashion collections deadlines are met. 

Learn more: 7 steps to develop your fashion collection plan 

How does integrating PLM and ERP improve the development of your collections?

Integrating Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems provides many benefits to collection development. 

PLM helps organize all stages of a product’s life cycle, from conception to manufacturing. It’s possible to track each item of the collection and its specifications, changes, and progress 

Meanwhile, ERP handles business operations such as purchasing, sales, and inventory, ensuring effective management. 

When these systems work together, information flows smoothly. Design details, such as measurements and materials, can be shared with purchasing and production departments quickly and accurately, saving time and money. 

Moreover, PLM and ERP integration helps in inventory management. Accurate data on what is being produced and sold avoids overstocking or shortages, maintaining a healthy balance. 

Another benefit is improved collaboration between teams. With all data centralized and accessible to relevant departments, teams can work more efficiently and cohesively, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding collection objectives. 

Learn more: Discover 8 best practices for optimizing apparel inventory management 

Efficiently manage your collections with Audaces Isa

Audaces Isa is a PLM system that increases productivity

Let Fashion PLM Audaces Isa organize, plan, and manage your collection! 

Developed based on the experiences of creative teams and product development managers, Audaces Isa is our collection management solution. 

We’ve created an intelligent tool to keep all areas focused on their processes, resulting in accuracy and profitability for your company. 

Audaces Isa offers an intuitive and efficient solution to track every stage of your collection creation, from conception to production. 

This way, you can invest your time in creativity rather than administrative tasks, making the entire process smoother and more profitable. 

Does Audaces Isa integrate with ERP systems? 

Yes, Audaces Isa integrates with different ERP systems, providing comprehensive and efficient management for your business. 

With the continuous data exchange between Audaces Isa and the ERP, it is possible to have a unified and real-time overview of the business operations. 

Contact us to check which ERPs are compatible or if you have any questions! 

FAQ

PLM and ERP: what are they and what are the differences?

PLM helps manage the complete product life cycle, from conception to manufacturing. Meanwhile, ERP handles business operations such as purchasing, sales, and inventory.

Why is it worth investing in PLM and ERP in fashion companies?

Both PLM and ERP offer a better understanding of activities through data analytics. It enables companies to identify market trends, customer demands, and operational efficiencies.

Does Audaces Isa integrate with ERP systems?

Yes, Audaces Isa integrates with different ERP systems, providing comprehensive and efficient management for your business.

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