Shaped by the seasons and driven by consumer demand, the Fashion & Lifestyle sector encompasses an extensive network of businesses and services related to clothing and accessories. As such, the supply chain presents logistical challenges which require the perfect combination of trends and consumer demand.
At Olicargo, we track every stage of the supply chain. This gives us greater control and helps us to avoid unnecessary delays, errors and reduce costs. How this works out? A simplification of processes and a higher quality of service for customers in anticipation of the season’s most fashionable trend.
An explanation of the supply chain…
What are the stages in the Fashion & Lifestyle supply chain?
- Projection of articles;
- Creation of a production plan;
- Project distribution;
- Fibre production;
- Sending the fibres to textile manufacturers;
- Textile manufacturing;
- Sending textiles to clothing manufacturers;
- Clothing manufacture;
- Dispatch of garments to logistics centres;
- Sending stock from distribution centres to stores;
- List items for sale;
- Returns processing (incl. excess shipping stock);
- Supply chain optimisation.
The challenges…
Demand fluctuates: It is necessary to predict and follow consumer preferences as well as fluctuations in the popularity of pieces when new collections are presented every six months.
Logistics Operations: Most stages of the supply chain involve transport, and in addition to detailed inventory control, the efficient distribution of goods also depends on the coordination of different modes of transport. A delay in the supply chain at any point in the process can paralyse the entire operation.
Collaboration: By creating synergies between the various players in the supply chain, all stages can be streamlined, from design to raw material sourcing and manufacturing.
What are the benefits of supply chain efficiency investments?
Gain advantage over competitors…
- Simplification and optimisation of the logistics processes;
- Reduce errors and increase productivity through collaboration and communication between suppliers, manufacturers and retailers;
- Reducing stock-outs and meeting delivery deadlines: increasing customer satisfaction and company profitability;
- Gathering data and information on how the Supply Chain is performing, to help identify areas and processes that need improving.
Reach anywhere in the world with our network of integrated logistics solutions. Get in touch with us today.
Sources:
BCG. (2023). Agility Is Fashion’s New Source of Competitive Advantage. Consultado a 11 de outubro de 2023, em: https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/creating-agile-supply-chains-in-the-fashion-industry
Inventrax. (2023). The Importance of Supply Chain Execution in Fashion and Retail. Consultado a 12 de outubro de 2023, em: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-supply-chain-execution-fashion-retail-inventrax/
Oracle. (2023). Fashion Supply Chain: Everything You Need to Know. Consultado a 11 de outubro de 2023, em: https://www.oracle.com/retail/fashion/fashion-supply-chain/
Purolator. (2022). How Improved Logistics Will Grow Your Fashion and Apparel Business. Consultado a 11 de outubro de 2023, em: https://www.purolatorinternational.com/how-improved-logistics-will-grow-your-fashion-and-apparel-business/
