Top 10 Tips for Picking a PLM System for Small Fashion Businesses

Choosing the right Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system is a pivotal decision for small fashion businesses. A well-suited PLM system can streamline operations, enhance collaboration, improve product quality, and provide a competitive edge. With the plethora of options available, selecting the right fashion PLM system can be challenging. Here are the top 10 tips to guide you in picking the perfect PLM system for your small fashion business.

1. Understand Your Business Needs

Before embarking on the selection process, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of your business needs. This involves identifying the key challenges your company faces in product development, manufacturing, and supply chain management. Knowing what you need from a PLM system will help you focus on solutions that address these specific pain points.

Questions to Consider:

• What are the bottlenecks in your current processes?
• How do you manage product data and collaboration?
• What are your goals for implementing a PLM system?

A clear understanding of these aspects will enable you to create a checklist of must-have features and functionalities, ensuring the PLM system you choose aligns with your business objectives. For example, fast and clear onboarding processes are key for some companies. At Wave PLM, the system deployment process for a new client takes on average 2-3 days.

2. Look for Industry-Specific Features

Not all PLM systems are created equal. For small fashion businesses, it’s essential to look for PLM solutions that offer industry-specific features tailored to the fashion industry. These features can significantly save time and reduce errors by providing tools designed specifically for the unique needs of apparel companies.

Key Features to Look For:

• Material and Component Libraries: A robust database for managing different fabrics, trims, and accessories.
• Integrated Design and Pattern-Making Tools: Tools that facilitate seamless integration with design software like Adobe Illustrator. Wave PLM has its easy-to-use Adobe Illustrator Plugin, which makes creating processes even faster and easier.
• Color and Size Management: Capabilities to handle color palettes, dye lots, and size specifications.
• Supplier Collaboration Modules: Tools that enable efficient communication and collaboration with suppliers.
• Reports are important technical documents for fashion brands to use as a reliable source of information during the production process. It could be tech packs, bill of materials (BOL), e-patterns or other information, which is essential. Check out if there are any possibilities of automation generation of such reports like in Wave PLM.

These industry-specific features can streamline your workflows, enhance accuracy, and improve overall efficiency.

3. Prioritize Ease of Use

A PLM system that is difficult to use can become a hindrance rather than a help. It is crucial to prioritize management solution that offer intuitive interfaces and easy-to-navigate dashboards. A user-friendly PLM system ensures that your team can quickly adopt and efficiently use the new software, minimizing the learning curve and maximizing productivity.

Tips for Evaluating Ease of Use:

• Request Demos and Trial Periods: Engage with the software hands-on to assess its usability.
• Read User Reviews and Testimonials: Gain insights from other users about their experiences.
• Check for Customizable Dashboards and Workflows: Ensure the system can be tailored to fit your business processes.

Investing in a PLM system that is easy to use will facilitate smoother implementation and higher user acceptance.

4. Consider Integration Capabilities

Your PLM system should seamlessly integrate with other software solutions you are using, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools, and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platforms. Integration capabilities ensure a smooth flow of data across different systems, reducing manual data entry and errors.

Important Integrations:

• ERP Systems: For financial and inventory management. Most of the time, the first thing fashion companies need to integrate from ERP systems is PO (purchase order), so you need to know which way will be faster and better to connect ERP and PLM systems.
• CAD Tools: For design and pattern-making.
• CRM Platforms: For managing customer data and feedback.

When evaluating PLM systems, prioritize those that offer robust integration capabilities with your existing software ecosystem.

5. Evaluate Scalability and Flexibility

As your business grows, your PLM system should be able to scale with you. Choose a solution that offers scalability to accommodate your expanding product lines and increasing complexity. Additionally, the PLM system should be flexible enough to adapt to your evolving business processes and market trends.

Questions to Ask:

• Can the System Handle an Increase in Users and Data Volume? Ensure the system can grow with your business.
• Does the Provider Offer Regular Updates and Feature Enhancements? Continuous improvement is key to staying competitive.
• Is the System Customizable to Fit Your Changing Needs? Flexibility is essential for adapting to new business requirements.

A scalable and flexible PLM system will support your business as it evolves, helping you maintain efficiency and competitiveness.

6. Assess Vendor Support and Training

Implementing a PLM system is a significant investment, and you need a vendor that provides excellent support and training. Evaluate the vendor’s customer service, training programs, and technical support to ensure you have the resources needed to get the most out of your fashion PLM software.

Support and Training Considerations:

• Availability of Onboarding and Training Sessions: Comprehensive training ensures your team is well-equipped to use the system.
• Accessibility of Customer Support: Determine if support is available 24/7 or only during business hours.
• Availability of Online Resources and Documentation: Access to tutorials, FAQs, and user guides can be very helpful. For example, Wave PLM has a User Manual available for each client with a full range of step-by-step tutorials, videos and an easy-to-use Search system.

Strong vendor support and training programs will facilitate a smoother implementation and help you maximize the benefits of your PLM system.

7. Compare Costs and ROI

While cost should not be the sole deciding factor, it is an important consideration. Compare the pricing models of different PLM systems, including upfront costs, subscription fees, and any additional charges for upgrades or support. Assess the potential return on investment (ROI) by considering the time and cost savings the PLM system will bring to your business.

Cost-Related Questions:

• What is the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)? Include all costs associated with the system over its lifecycle. Check out how it affects your product cost.
• Are There Any Hidden Fees or Additional Costs? Be aware of any extra charges for features, support, or upgrades.
• How Long Will It Take to See a Return on Investment? Evaluate the potential efficiency gains and cost savings.

Balancing cost with the benefits of a management system and ROI will help you make a financially sound decision.

8. Check for Cloud-Based Solutions

Cloud-based PLM systems offer several advantages over on-premise solutions, particularly for small fashion businesses. Cloud-based systems typically require lower upfront costs, offer greater flexibility, and provide easier access to updates and new features.

Benefits of Cloud-Based PLM Systems:

• Lower Upfront Costs: Reduced need for expensive hardware and IT infrastructure.
• Scalability: Easily scale the system as your business grows.
• Accessibility: Access the system from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Automatic Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Considering a cloud-based PLM system can provide your business with greater flexibility and cost savings.

9. Look for Strong Data Security

Data security is paramount, especially when dealing with sensitive product information and intellectual property. Ensure that the PLM system you choose offers robust security features to protect your data.

Security Features to Consider:

• Data Encryption: Protect data both in transit and at rest.
• Access Controls: Define user roles and permissions to restrict access to sensitive information.
• Regular Backups: Ensure data is regularly backed up and can be restored in case of loss.
• Compliance with Industry Standards: Verify that the system complies with relevant security standards and regulations.

Strong data security measures will safeguard your business’s valuable information.

10. Solicit Feedback from Your Team

Involving your team in the selection process can provide valuable insights and ensure that the chosen PLM system meets their needs. Your team members are the ones who will be using the system daily, so their input is crucial.

Steps to Solicit Feedback:

• Conduct Surveys and Interviews: Gather input on current pain points and desired features.
• Form a Selection Committee: Include representatives from different departments to provide diverse perspectives.
• Schedule Demos and Workshops: Allow team members to test potential PLM systems and provide feedback.

By involving your team in the decision-making process, you can select a PLM system that aligns with their needs and preferences, ensuring higher user adoption and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Choosing the right PLM system for your small fashion business can significantly impact your efficiency, collaboration, and overall growth. By understanding your business needs, prioritizing industry-specific features, and evaluating factors such as ease of use, integration capabilities, scalability, vendor support, costs, cloud-based options, data security, and team feedback, you can select a PLM solution that will help your business thrive in the competitive fashion industry.

Investing in a suitable PLM system is a strategic decision that can streamline your operations, foster collaboration, and drive innovation, positioning your small fashion business for long-term success. Remember, the right PLM system is not just a tool but a real-time partner in your journey towards the growth and excellence of your fashion product.

Our product was developed specifically for the fashion industry by specialists who have worked for decades in this industry. Request a demo or free trial and see how easy it is to use the features of Wave PLM.