I just recently came back from a vacation that gave me some time to think about how I could write something for my partners at shop-eat-surf-outdoor.com that would be interesting to you.
Here are three major topics, with questions, that you should bounce off of your current apparel software/IT systems to see if you may be in need of upgrading your existing IT infrastructure.
In many cases, if the answer is “No” to many of these questions, there could be substantial ROI (Return on Investment) in purchasing a new software/IT system.
1. Software Functionality and Software Support:
Do your employees/team like your current system? Does your system follow your work flow – or do you constantly work around the system due to software constraints? Does the system give you, at a glance, a full pulse on your business? Does your IT system provide the necessary tools for your employees to have complete visibility into your supply chain, to make sound business decisions? Does your current system support all of your software requirements from design to distribution and accounting? When you have a problem or question does your software vender respond in an adequate time with decisive answers? When you do have an issue does your software vendor help you address it with new functionality? Do you get version upgrades on a regular basis to keep up with our ever changing industry?
2. System Integration:
Does your ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system integrate with your Accounting modules? Does your PLM (Product Lifestyle Management) module update to your ERP system seamlessly? Does your system allow easy integration with other vendor products like UPS, Federal Express, B2C, B2B, etc? Have you eliminated the redundant entries done within your systems? Is your distribution automated and validate at the time of picking and auto create ASN’s, UCC-128 Labels and invoices? Can you handle multiple currencies and automatic updates for currency fluctuations?
3. EDI (Electronic Data Interchange):
Is your EDI full integrated? When you are approached by a new retailer for EDI setup is it expensive? Does it take long to get your EDI from test into live production? Do you have the ability to do direct connect with retailers and AS2 communications to avoid useless VAN (Value Added Network) charges? Does your EDI cause lots of chargeback’s?
If you have answered “No” to some or many of these questions you might want to start looking into new IT technologies. With new systems, you have the tools to re-engineer business processes, reduce wasted effort and strengthen the internal communication within your company.
It allows you to become closer to your customers through the use of superior technologies and comprehensive processes and enables you to respond quicker and more effectively to today’s demanding retailers who want to develop closer business ties with a reduced number of key suppliers.
