What to consider when considering garment management software for your company

An enterprise resource planning system is a tool that gives companies the freedom to automate processes and manage all functions from one point through an integrated application. The management solution used explicitly by the garment industry is called ERP software for apparel. It is designed (or customized) to:

  1. wholesalers
  2. retailers
  3. Manufacturers

It can be implemented in the fashion, apparel, or consumer lifestyle industry. Some of the applications that clothing software can incorporate are:

  1. material supply
  2. clothing manufacturing
  3. Supply chain and logistics
  4. Product design and development.

Factors that influence the selection of garment management software

Current and future goals are important when choosing the right ERP for an apparel company. Here are the 5 criteria that should be taken into account in the decision:

  • Cost and investment analysis

For most companies, the cost of an ERP is the most important factor. While it is an important consideration, it is necessary to understand strategic ROI. Typically, the long-term ROI outweighs the purchase and implementation costs. When comparing software, keep in mind:

  1. A cheaper solution might have poorer functionality or might offer fewer support and installation issues. Very often, the increased benefits are directly correlated to the price paid.
  2. Dive into ERP capabilities and not just price. Find your features, modules and integration capabilities

In general, apparel software that fits the business requirements and offers the flexibility to scale will cost a little more, but will make the business prosper. For example, a cloud-based ERP is an expensive investment but more reliable and profitable.

  • Be aware of business needs.

An ERP for an apparel company has to be tailor-made to meet unique needs. Specifications vary from store to store and company to company. While some may require just one application, others may require the implementation of more modules. Knowing the precise prerequisites of the company is essential. Some criteria to weigh when considering conditions are:

  1. Will the software be used to streamline operations?
  2. Is it necessary to improve efficiency in financial data such as accounting?
  3. Is the need primarily for inventory, logistics, and order?
  4. Will it help in production, design and project planning?
  5. Is it necessary to improve customer services and therefore the experience?

The answer to these questions will help to decide which management software modules should be installed. Therefore, they help to shortlist more solutions.

  • Think of every software user

Once implemented, a large number of workers employ the garment business system. While some will be end users, others will handle setup, updates, and integrations. It makes it necessary to consider every stakeholder and user when deciding which ERP to buy.

One simple technique is to create a team with a representative from each department or function in the business. Involve this team in the selection process and listen to their feedback. They will typically offer valuable insights that connect to day-to-day tasks that might not register for a senior executive.

  • It is the scalable solution

For midsize businesses or apparel firms that are new to ERP, the initial decision is to implement a solution with just a few modules. A decision is made to reduce total cost while improving business functions. But as a business grows and makes more profit, its operations become more complex. Therefore, at some point, the need for a more complete management software that offers the automation of more processes may arise.

Even the opposite is possible. If due to some unforeseen reason, the garment business needs to scale down its operation, fewer modules of the software may be required. In essence, a scalable solution allows your software to grow or shrink based on the needs of the organization. Ergo, it makes sense to go for a system that has the ability to scale over one that doesn’t.

  • Choose a business partner, not a supplier

One last consideration when shopping for clothing management software is to look for a vendor that will become a true business partner. The qualities that a seller should have are:

  1. Do you offer post-sale support?
  2. What are the vendor’s values ​​along with their vision, ie do they bring other benefits to the table besides the solution?
  3. Do they just sell the software or do they also help with implementation and deployment?
  4. Do you offer support when software glitches or problems occur?
  5. Do they have experience in your business, sector or industry?

A proper selection method is to do some online research and read provider reviews. Search for your current or past clients and ask for feedback.

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