8 tips to go digital in the apparel sector

Analyzing market trends helps manufacturers identify growth areas, competitors, and product categories.

FREMONT, CA: The apparel industry embraces Industry 4.0 by integrating digital data into various production processes, such as purchasing, inventory management, design, costing, manufacturing, and sales. This digitalization involves collecting manufacturing data to improve working conditions, reduce environmental impact, and manage market and customer data to ensure efficient communication, speed to market, and cost savings. Both methods aim to increase profitability and reduce costs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digitalization in the apparel industry, shifting European consumption from physical retail to e-commerce. This has increased demand for small orders and flexible services, accelerating automation and digitalization. Buyers are now more involved in manufacturing, allowing them to monitor orders from a distance. Digital innovations are used in the entire apparel value chain.

Online shopping in Europe is expected to grow to 48 percent of all apparel sales, offering manufacturers opportunities for direct B2C sales and access to market data.

Digitalizing your factory can be a manageable investment in technology. Instead, gathering data from the factory floor can reduce costs and increase efficiency. Tracking and monitoring cost items like working hours, adequate working time, purchasing, stock management, energy consumption, production line balance, employee motivation, working procedures, and competition can help optimize production efficiency.

Digitalization in the fashion industry involves real-time performance measurement, data discovery, and interconnected software and machinery to optimize production. Various technological solutions are available, including ERP and PLM systems and intelligent machines for cutting and sewing departments. To choose the right software, consider your needs, price, and service level, and consult industry experts. Training is essential for working digitally.

Implementing new technologies in a production line requires expertise and depends on factors like organization, machinery, and service level. Connecting with local institutions and analyzing machine usage data can also help improve efficiency.

The apparel industry relies heavily on big data to optimize production and sales. European buyers are particularly interested in big data and AI for better matching supply and demand, designing successful designs, and providing a hyper-personalized shopping experience.

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