IT systems which entrench just-in-time manufacturing disciplines will help SA`s beleaguered clothing manufacturers weather the dual onslaughts of low customer spending and cheaper imports, reports I-Soft Solutions` director Sue Clague. It will also help open doors to working globally.
The Internet can facilitate an international design and manufacturing operation as well as enhance communication between customers and manufacturers.
"The industry needs to operate smarter and leaner, and must be flexible to meet customer demands," says Sue Clague, adding that this can only happen with the support of IT systems developed to meet their specific requirements.
Turnaround times need to be faster to help retailers cope with the dynamics of customers` fashion demands.
The Internet is becoming an important tool here. Clothing designs can be scanned into a SA manufacturer`s system in minutes.
"For manufacturers wanting to supply international markets, the Internet is crucial," says Clague. She adds that orders placed electronically can reach the production line much faster than has been the norm.
The whole communication chain becomes far more dynamic and reliable.
Clague says that some clothing manufacturers have had their fingers burnt because they have tried to adapt generalised manufacturing systems to their needs, rather than opting for a specialised system.
The key concerns are manufacturing and delivering on time to customers` specifications within tightly defined cost criteria.
Enough raw materials must be at hand to keep the production lines working optimally to meet delivery deadlines. "One of the main causes of loss to the manufacturers is late delivery to the customer, goods delivered late are returned to the manufacturer, so it is imperative to be on time," says Clague.
She believes this can only be achieved if management at all levels of the manufacturing process have accurate information on which to base dynamic decisions, and they need to help in managing the risks.
I-Soft Solution has worked closely with clothing manufacturing during the past 18 years to develop its real-time, online OMNIX manufacturing system. Users of the system continue to have a big influence on the design of the system.
This ensures that the software reflects the way clothing manufacturers actually work.
Emphasis, says Clague, is given to immediate availability of important data.
Extensive online inquiries and reports are available into most aspects of data stored in the system.
The system helps management reach production with orders.
It gives correct figures on what is being produced, what raw materials and finished goods are in stock, orders still in the pipeline, and what material needs to be bought to complete orders on hand.
Clague adds that many manufacturers have moved, or are seriously considering moving to electronic data interchange to enhance transactions with their customers.
This online interaction speeds up the entire process from order to payment, and it is a vital component in building sound business relationships.
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