Why do apparel brands need manufacturing software?

Between producing high volumes of SKUs and responding to shifting market demands, manufacturing in the apparel industry can be a headache. Fortunately, there are tools – like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems – that can support brands with their operations.

ERPs offer myriad benefits, but for the purpose of this article, we’re focusing solely on manufacturing processes.

What is the role of ERP in apparel manufacturing?

ERPs provide apparel manufacturers with unified visibility, integrating inventory management, production scheduling, supply chain coordination, and more.

By offering real-time insights and automation, ERP manufacturing software streamlines workflows, reduces manual errors, and enhances decision-making.

Given that apparel manufacturers often face seasonal fluctuations and complex production requirements, ERPs are vital tools for enabling seamless workflows.

What are the typical benefits of ERP for apparel manufacturers?

End-to-end visibility

ERP systems consolidate data from different departments – such as design, production, sales, and logistics – into a single platform, allowing brands to monitor and manage each stage of the manufacturing process.

Resource optimisation

ERP platforms ensure accurate demand forecasting, assisting apparel manufacturers in managing their Bill of Materials, raw material availability, and production schedules.

Process automation

Manual processes, such as order allocation and production tracking, can lead to errors and delays. ERP solutions streamline and automate these workflows, reducing the potential for mistakes and improving speed to market.

Supply chain agility

With disruptions becoming increasingly common, ERP systems help businesses remain agile, enabling quick responses to supply chain changes and ensuring timely manufacturing.

How can K3 help with your apparel manufacturing?

While the above benefits represent some high-level advantages, specialist solution providers like K3 have adapted Microsoft’s leading ERPs into powerful tools for apparel manufacturers. Examples include:

Comprehensive inventory management

K3 provides full visibility across channels, allowing apparel brands to efficiently manage stock levels and avoid both excess and insufficient inventory. The system enables dynamic stock allocation and prioritisation, ensuring that the right products reach the right customers at the right time.

For manufacturers specifically, this enables better management of production schedules and raw material suppliers. A proactive approach to scheduling and material management ensures that demands are met swiftly.

Streamlined order management

Our K3 Fashion solution enhances logistics and warehousing processes by providing tools for order allocation, warehouse management, and data transparency. The interoperability between any selected Warehouse Management System and D365 Finance and Supply Chain Management’s landed cost module ensures a seamless flow of information and processes.

The solution’s automated workflows reduce manual intervention, minimising errors and improving operational efficiency.

Strategic risk management

Supply chains have inherent risks, making it crucial for apparel companies to have robust tools to mitigate potential impacts. K3 Fashion allows businesses to manage multiple purchase order types and split inventory based on needs, enabling them to navigate disruptions with greater agility.

By tracking critical data and providing real-time insights, K3 Fashion helps manufacturers foresee potential issues and take pre-emptive action to reduce their impact.

Why are we embedded in D365?

We fully embed our solutions in Microsoft’s D365 ERP environments because they’re market leaders.

No – that’s not a blanket statement. Organisations like Gartner and Forbes recognise this fact and our own research supports it.

But even market-leading ERPs aren’t necessarily designed for apparel… which is where K3 comes into play.

We’re experts in apparel, not ERP, so we chose to embed our solutions into the best platforms available, transforming them into something truly impactful for apparel companies.

The result? Every department gets a solution that works for them – including you.

Interested to learn more about how K3 can help with manufacturing? Check out how K3 Pebblestone optimises your entire fashion manufacturing workflow.