As fashion brands grow, managing design, production, and supply chain operations manually becomes unsustainable. Many brands start with spreadsheets, email approvals, and scattered documents, but as collections expand and supply chains become more complex, these methods lead to delays, errors, and inefficiencies.

This is where Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems come in. They help brands centralize product data, streamline workflows, and improve operational efficiency. But when is the right time to adopt these systems?

This guide will explore the key pain points that signal the need for PLM or ERP, how each system helps, and how fashion brands can leverage them to scale operations efficiently.

The Key Signs Your Fashion Brand Needs a PLM or ERP

1. Your Tech Packs Are Disorganized and Hard to Manage

✔ Without a PLM system:

• Tech packs are scattered across spreadsheets, emails, and PDFs, making it difficult to track updates.

• Factories receive outdated versions, leading to sample errors and production mistakes.

• Teams waste time manually editing and sharing tech packs, causing miscommunication.

  
  

✔ How PLM helps:

• Stores all design files, fabric specs, and pattern details in one place.

• Automatically tracks changes to tech packs, ensuring factories always receive the latest version.

• Reduces sample errors and miscommunication between design and production teams.

  
  

Example: A growing sustainable fashion brand reduced tech pack revision time by 50% after switching to KOBO PLM.

2. Your Team Struggles with Collaboration Across Departments

✔ Without PLM or ERP:

• Designers, merchandisers, and production teams work in silos, leading to delays.

• Critical updates get lost in emails and Slack messages.

• Teams waste time manually searching for files or confirming approvals.

  
  

✔How PLM and ERP help:

• PLM centralizes communication between designers, developers, and manufacturers.

• ERP streamlines interdepartmental workflows, ensuring financial, inventory, and logistics teams are aligned.

• Reduces decision-making time by automating approvals within the system.

  
  

Example: A fashion startup reduced approval wait times by 40% using KOBO PLM’s built-in messaging and task assignment tools.

3. Your Inventory is Out of Sync with Demand

✔ Without ERP:

• Inventory data is scattered across spreadsheets, leading to overstock or stockouts.

• Supply chain teams lack real-time stock visibility, causing delayed restocking.

• Manual inventory tracking leads to costly errors in forecasting and production planning.

  
  

✔ How ERP helps:

• Tracks real-time inventory levels, reducing overstock and shortages.

• Syncs inventory across warehouses, suppliers, and sales channels.

• Uses data-driven forecasting to ensure accurate stock planning.

Example: A growing streetwear brand reduced inventory holding costs by 30% using KOBO ERP’s automated stock tracking system.

4. You Experience Frequent Production Delays and Errors

✔ Without PLM:

• Factories work with outdated production files, leading to errors.

• Sample approvals take weeks due to miscommunication.

• Suppliers miss deadlines because production schedules are not tracked properly.

  
  

✔ How PLM helps:

• Provides real-time updates to factories, ensuring they always work with the latest information.

• Automates sample approval processes, eliminating back-and-forth emails.

• Tracks supplier performance and lead times, helping brands choose reliable partners.

Example: A luxury womenswear brand cut production errors by 25% after integrating KOBO PLM to track real-time manufacturing progress.

5. Your Costing and Financials Are Unorganized

✔ Without ERP:

• Production and material costs aren’t tracked accurately, leading to unexpected expenses.

• Finance teams struggle with invoicing and supplier payments.

• Lack of data makes it difficult to calculate profit margins on new collections.

  
  

✔ How ERP helps:

• Tracks real-time production costs, giving brands accurate pricing insights.

• Automates supplier invoicing and payments, reducing financial errors.

• Generates reports on profit margins, material costs, and revenue trends.

  
  

Example: A fashion wholesaler improved profit margin accuracy by 20% using KOBO ERP’s integrated cost analysis tools.

PLM vs. ERP: Which One Does Your Brand Need?

| Feature | PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) | ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tech Pack Management | ✔ Stores digital tech packs, tracks revisions | ✖ Not designed for design files |
| Supplier & Material Tracking | ✔ Centralizes material sourcing and compliance | ✔ Manages supplier payments and inventory |
| Production & Sample Management | ✔ Tracks samples, approvals, and quality control | ✔ Monitors factory capacity and work-in-progress |
| Inventory & Logistics | ✖ Not designed for warehouse tracking | ✔ Manages stock levels and warehouse distribution |
| Financials & Costing | ✖ Does not handle invoicing | ✔ Tracks production costs, supplier payments, and profit margins

For product development, tech packs, and supplier communication, a PLM system like KOBO is essential.

For inventory, financials, and order fulfillment, an ERP system is required.

Brands scaling rapidly benefit from PLM + ERP integration, ensuring seamless coordination from design to fulfillment.

How KOBO PLM & ERP Work Together for Fashion Brands

• KOBO PLM centralizes design, material sourcing, and supplier management.

• KOBO ERP tracks inventory, production costs, and financials.

• Together, they provide end-to-end visibility, reducing inefficiencies and manual work.

Example: A fast-growing activewear brand scaled production by 40% using KOBO’s PLM + ERP integration, allowing them to expand their supplier network and automate financial processes.

Conclusion

If your fashion brand is struggling with tech pack mismanagement, supplier delays, inventory confusion, or financial inefficiencies, it’s time to consider PLM and ERP solutions.

By digitizing operations and centralizing data, KOBO PLM and ERP help brands:

• Eliminate production errors and speed up time-to-market.

• Improve supplier communication and track compliance.

• Optimize inventory and financial planning for profitability.

Next Steps:

• Schedule a demo of KOBO PLM & ERP to see how they fit your brand’s needs.

• Download our PLM vs. ERP Decision Guide.

• Book a consultation to discuss the best digital solution for your business.