Proof of value is an indispensable tool for justifying software implementations, driving continuous improvements, measuring ROI and cultivating a culture of success in the competitive world of fashion and sewn products.
Key Takeaways:
Proof of value is a robust evaluation process that measures the concrete benefits of implementing a PLM solution, providing data-driven evidence of how a future PLM solution will positively impact your business operations and pave the way for sustainable growth.
One of the primary benefits of proof of value lies in its ability to drive continuous improvements within your organisation by identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in current processes and streamlining workflow.
Proof of value provides insights into the various maturity levels of a PLM implementation, from manual processes to an automated measured and managed level with database-based operations and eventually to the advanced level with workflow automation and seamless supplier collaboration.
By evaluating the gains in productivity, reduced time-to-market, cost savings, and improved collaboration, businesses can gain a clear picture of the value derived from their PLM investment, which is a key component of proof of value.
In the dynamic world of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), understanding the tangible return on investment is crucial. The concept of “proof of value” stands at the forefront of assessing the effectiveness of PLM implementations and other best-of-breed solutions. This article delves into the significance of proof of value and how it serves as a compass for unlocking the true potential of your PLM strategy.
In the realm of PLM, proof of value refers to a robust evaluation process that measures the concrete benefits of implementing a PLM solution. It serves as a means to determine how well the investment aligns with your business objectives and whether it truly propels you towards enhanced efficiency and productivity.
For fashion brands, retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturing value-chain partners operating under the Retail, Footwear & Apparel (RFA) umbrella, proof of value becomes an indispensable tool for justifying implementations to key stakeholders. It provides data-driven evidence of how a future PLM solution will positively impact your business operations and pave the way for sustainable growth.
Driving Continuous Improvements
One of the primary benefits of proof of value lies in its ability to drive continuous improvements within your organisation. By assessing the impact of PLM on your existing business processes (the ‘As-Is’ state) and envisioning the future (the ‘To-Be’ state) through process maturity improvements and seamless integration with best-of-breed digital solutions, you can unlock the potential for ongoing growth and optimisation. For instance, consider a fashion brand struggling with disparate data sources (Excel / Workbooks), and manual product tracking, or at best via emails. Through proof of value, the brand identifies the bottlenecks and inefficiencies in their current processes. By implementing PLM, they streamline their workflow, and automate data exchange, not only within the PLM backbone, but via open APIs to other critical solutions that combine support planning, creative design, development, and manufacturing. They also introduce real-time collaboration across the extended value chain, resulting in faster time-to-market, reduced errors, and improved product quality.
Moving Beyond Ad-Hoc Practices
Many businesses operate with ad-hoc methods, relying on spreadsheets, workbooks, emails, and file attachments to manage product information. With proof of value, you can transition away from such fragmented approaches and embrace structured, documented, and efficient business processes.
For example, a brand grappling with disconnected data silos and communication gaps implements PLM with a focus on proof of value. As a result, they centralise product data, establish a single source of truth, and enable teams to collaborate seamlessly. This transformation streamlines the design-to-production journey, reducing lead times and fostering better cross-functional communication.
Advancing Through Maturity Levels
Proof of value provides insights into the various maturity levels of a PLM implementation. Moving away from manual processes to an automated “measured and managed” level with database-based operations and critical path triggering, and eventually to the advanced level with workflow automation and seamless supplier collaboration.
Consider a manufacturer seeking to optimise its production processes. Through proof of value, they evaluate their current manual operations and identify areas for improvement. By adopting advanced PLM with workflow automation, they digitise their production planning, reduce manual errors, and optimise production schedules. As a result, they experience increased production efficiency and decreased time-to-market, helping to support their customer objectives.
Measuring Return On Investment
Understanding the return on investment (ROI) is a key component of proof of value. By evaluating the gains in productivity, reduced time-to-market, cost savings, and improved collaboration, you gain a clear picture of the value derived from your PLM investment.
For a global brand, retailer, or manufacturer the proof of value analysis shows substantial ROI through decreased markdowns, reduced stock-outs, and streamlined inventory management. With PLM’s help, they identify emerging trends, shorten their design cycles, and collaborate seamlessly with suppliers, resulting in higher revenue generation and improved profitability.
Cultivating a Culture of Success
Implementing PLM with a focus on proof of value fosters a culture of success within your organisation. It encourages a data-driven approach to decision-making, empowers teams to streamline processes, and inspires continuous innovation. A forward-thinking brand embraces proof of value as part of its PLM implementation journey. This approach instils a culture of innovation and efficiency, where employees are empowered to leverage PLM data for strategic decision-making. As a result, the brand stays agile, adapts quickly to market changes, and maintains a competitive edge.
Top Ten Things to Consider When Implementing a PLM Solution
As you embark on the journey of implementing a PLM solution for your fashion business, keep in mind the top ten considerations that will set the stage for success:
· Clearly Define Your Business Objectives: Begin by identifying your specific business goals and how a PLM solution aligns with them. Clearly defined objectives will guide the entire implementation process.
· Involve Key Stakeholders: Engage stakeholders from different departments, including design, product development, sourcing, and IT, to ensure all perspectives are considered in the PLM selection process.
· Assess Your Current Processes: Understand your ‘As-Is’ state of business processes and identify pain points that need to be addressed through PLM implementation.
· Plan for Process Maturity: Visualise the ‘To-Be’ state and the process maturity improvements you want to achieve through PLM. Set realistic milestones for measuring success.
· Look Beyond Ad-Hoc Methods: Recognise the limitations of ad-hoc practices and opt for a structured PLM approach to centralise data, enhance collaboration, and streamline workflows.
· Choose the Right PLM Vendor: Conduct thorough research and select a PLM vendor that not only meets your current needs but also aligns with your long-term growth strategy.
· Focus on User Adoption: Ensure your PLM solution is user-friendly and tailored to meet the needs of different user groups. Encourage user training and provide ongoing support to drive adoption.
· Integrate with Best-of-Breed Solutions: Consider how PLM will integrate with other software systems, such as CAD/CAM, Pantone, Adobe, and 3D, to create a seamless digital ecosystem.
· Embrace Supplier Collaboration: Facilitate effective collaboration with suppliers through PLM, fostering better communication, and accelerating time-to-market.
· Measure and Analyse ROI: Regularly assess the tangible returns on your PLM investment through proof of value and leverage the data to refine your PLM strategy for continuous improvement.
The concept of proof of value plays a pivotal role in validating the efficacy of your PLM strategy. By measuring tangible returns, driving continuous improvements, and nurturing a culture of success, you can harness the full potential of PLM and elevate your business to new heights. Embrace proof of value as your guiding light and pave the way to a successful and future-ready PLM implementation. By embracing these considerations and focusing on proof of value, your PLM implementation journey will pave the way for transformational growth and success in the competitive world of fashion and sewn product.
Mark Harrop
