How Apparel ERP Software Can Benefit Your Fashion Business
Consumers’ habits have changed dramatically from what we were used to seeing in the past. Today, a consumer not only seeks to make a purchase that is convenient for him, but also a purchase that is convenient for the environment. A consumer will prioritize companies that, in his eyes, behave responsibly and sustainably instead of companies that seem to ignore the negative impact they have on the environment.
In our industry this is a huge factor, since the Apparel & Footwear industry is one of the most criticized industries in terms of environmental damage.
This is where apparel ERP Software can come into play.
There are many ways in which apparel ERP software can lower your company’s negative climate impact and help you become more sustainable.
Here are some examples:
Reduce Waste Caused by Repeating Tasks
As we know, there are a multitude of different departments involved in every operation that an apparel company makes. This means that different agents must access and track overlapping information.
An information error can be very harmful to the environment. Reshipping a product to a customer, throwing away material that was ordered accidentally, having to call for a second material shipment due to a mistake in the order of the first one, etc.
The chance of an information error increases every time data is entered manually by an employee. By using apparel software and centralizing the information in one integrated system, data only needs to be entered once. This greatly reduces the chance of errors, and in turn reduces the carbon footprint of your company.
Reduce Inventory Related Waste
Another factor that can create a surprisingly big carbon footprint is inventory related mistakes.
Over-ordering implies that you must store excess material. The space where you store these materials requires electricity for lightning and, depending on the material, cooling. Besides, you might need to move these materials constantly to make space for the materials you will actually use, in turn utilizing gas from forklifts or trucks, thus increasing your carbon footprint even further.
Under-ordering implies that you must make another order. This means that fuel will be spent in material transportation, making your carbon footprint greater.
By utilizing apparel ERP software you can greatly improve your inventory planning and forecasting, and sales analysis, ensuring you will not have ordering issues again.
Reduce Communication Related Waste
Information needs to be constantly communicated between different departments and agents in the fashion industry. By using apparel ERP software to make this communication digital, you are avoiding an incredible amount of paper waste, thus drastically reducing your carbon footprint.
Also, you may avoid travel costs between you and your clients, or you and your suppliers. Travel always implies some negative environmental impact, so reducing the amount of travels you have to do can have a very positive impact on the environment.
In conclusion, apparel ERP software will make the difference between a fashion company that is unconcerned with their environmental damage – which customers will not be enticed to buy from – and a company that makes a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint and negative environmental impact.
