Fashion Can Be Vintage (But Your Systems Shouldn't Be)

By  Ron Grilli, CEO, Simparel Inc.
Like fashion, trends in technology are constantly evolving. The author says forward thinking-businesses are adopting the latest generation of ERP software to change and grow.

Fashion trends are constantly evolving. Successful companies recognize and capitalize on what's fresh and new. Having been in and around global apparel manufacturers for the past 30 years, I am no stranger to what makes the great succeed and the others just survive.

Thriving in today's cutthroat environment requires the agility and flexibility to change and grow your business as needed. And it starts with the software underpinning your business. Because traditional legacy systems and outdated enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems lack the integration and flexibility needed to achieve this level of agility, forward-thinking businesses are adopting the latest generation of ERP software.

With newer technologies, your company can run its business efficiently and cost-effectively using solutions that unites processes and data. The result is smoother operations and better decisions that lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction and stronger revenues.
How much is your legacy system really costing you?

Many legacy ERP systems lack the agility necessary for you to be successful in today's demanding business climate. Without the right system, you may be prohibited from managing business processes in a fully integrated manner. In general, your organization should expect the following benefits from today's ERP systems:

Cut costs. ERP systems unite key business processes, enabling you to reduce the duplication of efforts and costs of maintaining disparate systems and processes.

Improve efficiency. Rather than maintaining a variety of systems and dealing with the restrictions associated with complex interfaces, everyone in your organization works from a single fully integrated ERP platform at all times.

Boost the top line. With better control over all processes and data, your business can avoid miscommunications and misguided decisions that negatively impact revenues and operations.

Enhance customer satisfaction. When you deliver orders on time and error-free, your customers will take note — and very possibly increase their level of business with you. Moreover, with a firm grasp on all processes and related information, you can quickly respond to customer requests or complaints.

Are you realizing true ROI from your ERP environment?

Your success depends to a degree on the amount of control you have over — and flexibility within — your business environment. However, legacy systems can force you to make unacceptable tradeoffs between the functionality you require and the limitations of the platform you are running. And upgrades to access new features often prove too expensive, too time consuming and too risky to implement.

In order to be competitive and operate with the efficiencies expected by your customers, it's critical to choose an ERP system that will support your needs with the utmost flexibility and lowest cost.

As you evaluate your options, look for an advanced solution designed to support the unique requirements of companies in the fashion industry. Key features to look for include: fast implementation and ease of training, flexibility to make changes quickly and economically, embedded PLM and WMS processes, integrated digital asset management, ad hoc integrated reporting tools, and fully imbedded EDI.

Sit with your team and evaluate the total cost of ownership of your systems. Hopefully you are achieving exactly what you are expecting. If not, don't panic, but take this as an opportunity to capitalize on the next generation of solutions available to you. Like fashion, trends in technology are constantly evolving -- are you a trendsetter?

Ron Grilli is CEO of Simparel, Inc. Ron has over 30 years of experience in the marketing, development and implementation of global supply chain solutions for fast-moving companies in the apparel, footwear, accessories and home furnishings businesses. Prior to joining Simparel, Ron spent most of his business career as an owner or key executive of software solutions providers. Learn more about Ron and Simparel at www.simparel.com