Multi-Channel Retailer Benefits from Immediate 20 Percent Improvement in Design Efficiency
NEEDHAM, Mass.--PTC (Nasdaq: PMTC), the Product Development Company®, today announced that Appleseed’s, a retailer of classic women’s apparel, has successfully deployed the PTC Retail, Footwear and Apparel solution, FlexPLM™, for its product data management, line planning and product variation management capabilities. Appleseed’s implemented FlexPLM as its collaborative PLM system that utilizes a central library to manage its product and material information. With the out-of-the-box capabilities of FlexPLM, Appleseed’s improved design efficiency by 20 percent, reduced grading formula errors and improved its material and product quality through clearer data representation.
Managing multiple brands with thousands of new and updated styles to drive three to four market pushes each season was becoming increasingly challenging across the Appleseed’s organization. The company decided to replace its former product data management system that maintained product data in multiple places, often manually, with a centralized and automated PLM system that enabled visibility into products and materials throughout the complex lifecycles of Appleseed’s product lines. Appleseed’s chose FlexPLM for its capabilities for seasonal concepts, line development and sample management requirements.
The first phase of the implementation began with the Appleseed’s and Togs divisions. This phase was focused primarily on technical design to establish basic classifications and structure for its products and materials and went live July 2007. The second phase as planned will include system configuration to support seasonal planning, merchandise planning and business planning and will include sourcing/costing, vendor collaboration and interfaces into Appleseed’s other business systems.
“We selected PTC because FlexPLM is the best solution that delivers out-of-the box capabilities that are key to the retail, footwear and apparel industry,” said Ron Beard, chief information officer, Appleseed’s. “Additionally, PTC worked very closely with our teams as a resource partner to create and implement a PLM plan that worked within our budget, avoided extensive customizations and delivered immediate measurable benefits. We look forward to continuing our partnership with PTC as we begin the second phase of the implementation.”
“Many retail, footwear and apparel organizations like Appleseed’s need to maximize technology investments while minimizing their time and resources to get benefits from their PLM initiatives,” said Kathleen Mitford, vice president, vertical market strategy for retail, footwear and apparel, PTC. “FlexPLM was developed to deliver out-of-the-box capabilities and still be flexible and scalable to support the future PLM requirements of leading retailers like Appleseed’s.”
About Appleseed’s
Founded in 1946 in Beverly, MA, Appleseed's is a market-leading provider of updated classic apparel for women who value style, quality and comfort in their clothes. With a foundation as a catalog company, Appleseed's today has grown into a multi-channel retailer, offering products through a catalog, website, and in warm and welcoming retail stores. In the fall of 2005, Appleseed's expanded its focus on this market through the acquisition of The Tog Shop. For more information on Appleseed’s please visit www.appleseeds.com.
About PTC Solutions for Retail, Footwear and Apparel
PTC® solutions for retail, footwear and apparel are designed to meet the product lifecycle management requirements of retailers, branded manufacturers and their suppliers. These web-based solutions are comprised of FlexPLM™ and provide configurable functionality and information visibility across the enterprise and its supply chain. PTC is a leading provider to top retail, footwear and apparel brands worldwide.
About PTC
PTC (Nasdaq: PMTC) provides leading product lifecycle management (PLM), content management and dynamic publishing solutions to more than 50,000 organizations worldwide. PTC customers include the world's most innovative companies in manufacturing, publishing, services, government and life sciences industries. PTC is included in the S&P Midcap 400 and Russell 2000 indices. For more information on PTC, please visit http://www.ptc.com.
