How can you choose the best PLM software for your business?

Summary 

  • PLM software is a specialized system to manage every stage of fashion production.
  • It covers everything from initial concept and design to development and approval.
  • Experience the future of the fashion industry with Audaces360. Start your free trial now! 

Managing product development in the fashion industry is no small task. It includes tight deadlines, shifting trends, and growing collections. With this scenario, it’s easy for teams to lose time and visibility across the process. 

That’s where fashion PLM software steps in. And don’t think of it as a luxury! It’s actually a necessity for brands that want to stay competitive and organized. 

A good PLM platform connects all areas of product development, from design and tech packs to sourcing and approval. That’s why we’ll show you in this article how to choose the best option for your business. 

Happy reading! 

What is PLM software? 

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software is a digital solution that helps manage the entire lifecycle of a product. It centralizes data, streamlines processes, and improves team collaboration. 

In the apparel industry, PLM software plays a key role in organizing the journey from concept to approval. It brings together design files, tech packs, material lists, costing, and timelines. All in one place. 

One of the greatest advantages of PLM is its ability to provide visibility into every stage of the product. Whether you’re developing a new collection or creating variations, the platform helps maintain consistency across your supply chain. 

Say goodbye to delays and waste with the Audaces Cutting Room.
Integrate tech pack and pre-cost in real time with Audaces Idea.
Design and develop clothing sizes=
Manage your collection from concept to sales with Audaces Isa.
Create, edit and approve your designs in 3D with Audaces Fashion Studio.

What are the key functions of PLM software?

PLM software: A fashion professional analyzing reports.

Manage collections and launch calendars 

PLM software allows you to manage multiple collections and coordinate launch calendars with precision. By centralizing deadlines, development stages, and approvals, it becomes easier to keep projects on track and avoid delays. 

This improved visibility shortens the overall time to market, helping brands respond more quickly to trends and consumer demand. 

Plan the ideal product mix 

With a well-structured PLM system, planning the ideal product mix becomes a strategic and data-driven task. 

It allows you to evaluate which styles align best with your market goals, ensuring a balanced and profitable collection. 

Learn more: Discover 3 expert tips for composing a fashion product mix 

Control material and production costs 

A PLM solution gives you control over cost elements from the start of product development. By tracking fabric usage, trims, labor, and supplier quotes, businesses can forecast expenses more accurately. 

This leads to reduced costs and avoids last-minute budget overruns during production. 

Connect suppliers and remote teams in real time 

PLM software improves data management by creating a shared environment. Teams and suppliers can access up-to-date information at any time.  

Whether your collaborators are in the same office or across the globe, they can stay aligned on approvals and changes. 

Track the development of each item 

Every stage in the creation of a garment is traceable within the platform. This ensures greater accuracy in product data, which is essential for quality control and timely delivery. 

Generate dynamic reports 

PLM tools can automatically generate reports based on the latest available information. It offers valuable insights into products and services, costs, timelines, and performance. 

This information helps managers identify bottlenecks or improvement areas across the product lifecycle. 

Learn more: Discover PLM and its benefits for fashion manufacturing 

How to choose the best PLM software? 

Selecting the right PLM software requires careful consideration of your company’s structure, workflow, and long-term goals. A well-chosen solution should support your team today and scale with your business tomorrow. 

Here’s how to do it: 

Assess your business needs 

Start by identifying the specific challenges you want to solve. They could be improving collaboration, gaining visibility into development stages, or reducing time to market. 

Knowing your priorities will help you choose a tool that truly adds value. 

Check if the PLM suits your industry 

Not all PLM platforms are specific for fashion and apparel. Look for solutions tailored to the industry, with features that support collection planning, tech pack integration, and material management. 

Learn more: What is a digital product passport in fashion? 

Analyze the available features 

Make a list of essential features your team will use, such as version control, calendar management, and cost tracking. Then, compare what each software offers. 

A robust PLM should cover the full product lifecycle while also offering flexibility to adapt to your processes. 

Want to optimize your collection management? Our quiz will provide you with valuable insights to improve your fashion business!

Consider ease of use 

An overly complex system can slow teams down instead of helping them. Prioritize user-friendly interfaces, intuitive navigation, and clean layouts. 

Check integration with other systems 

Your PLM should work seamlessly with the tools you already use, such as ERP and CAD platforms. 

Strong integration capabilities reduce duplicated work, avoid manual errors, and keep your data consistent across systems. 

Evaluate cost-benefit and pricing model 

Beyond the initial price, consider what else comes in the subscription or license. Evaluate the platform’s value based on its features, scalability, and potential return on investment. 

Request a demo or trial version 

Before making a final decision, ask for a guided demo or access to a free trial. This lets you explore the platform in real-world conditions and understand how it fits your team’s workflow. 

It’s also a chance to evaluate customer support, onboarding resources, and responsiveness. 

Learn more: How to choose the best clothing production software? 

Benefits of implementing PLM software in your apparel business 

Investing in a PLM solution can transform how your team works. This solution can boost efficiency, reduce errors, and give you more control over every stage of product development. 

Discover the key benefits! 

Save up to 50% of time on new product launches 

By automating manual tasks and streamlining communication, PLM software helps reduce the time of planning, approvals, and adjustments. 

With better coordination and real-time visibility, businesses can speed up product development and bring collections to market faster. 

Discover how this leading Brazilian clothing brand reduced its collection development time by 50% using Audaces solutions!

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Real-time tracking of product development 

Real-time updates help you monitor tasks, identify bottlenecks, and keep the project on schedule. 

This is especially valuable in product design, where quick feedback and version control are essential to move forward confidently. 

Centralized information management 

Instead of working across disconnected tools, teams can rely on a single source of truth. PLM platforms consolidate all files, specifications, and communications, improving collaboration and reducing the risk of errors. 

This strong document management foundation makes it easier to find information, track changes, and maintain consistency. 

Online file archive 

With PLM software, you can store and organize all your flat sketches, tech packs, and marking files in a secure online environment. 

It’s the best way to eliminate scattered documents, keeping everything accessible and up to date. 

Learn more: 6 benefits of having an online collection management 

Cloud storage 

Modern PLM platforms are cloud-based, meaning your data is automatically saved and protected off-site. Cloud storage not only reduces IT overhead but also ensures your files are safe and backed up. 

Access your data anytime, anywhere 

The best PLM software offers mobile access, so you can check product statuses, approve samples, or share files from your phone. 

You can stay productive wherever you are, from the office to a supplier visit, thanks to the mobile version. 

Comprehensive and dynamic reports 

There are tools that allow you to generate detailed reports with just a few clicks. They provide insights into timelines, costs, team performance, and more. 

These reports help you make smarter decisions by offering a complete view of your process, all in real time. 

Learn more: Discover 4 essential points to thrive in clothing management 

Manage your collections with Audaces Isa Fashion PLM software 

PLM software: Audaces Isa interface.

Streamline your workflow, accelerate production, and elevate your brand with Audaces Isa.  

This innovative PLM software empowers fashion companies to take control of their entire collection development process. From initial ideas to final products.  

Audaces Isa centralizes data and fosters collaboration, leading to more than 50% reduction in product launch time. You can even have real-time access to your collection’s progress directly from your phone, with the mobile version.  

Identify potential issues early, track progress seamlessly, and enable teams to optimize production and quality. 

Discover Audaces360 and unlock a world of possibilities for fashion design and production. Explore our comprehensive suite of solutions today!

FAQ

What is PLM software?

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software is a digital solution that helps manage the entire lifecycle of a product. It centralizes data, streamlines processes, and improves team collaboration.

What are the key functions of PLM software?

Manage collections and launch calendars, plan the product mix, and track the development of each item.

How to choose the best PLM software?

Assess your business needs, analyze the features, check integration with other systems, and request a trial.

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