#USA #Kalamazoo #Product Development #Centric PLM #Edwards Garment

Edwards Garment Digitizes Product Development with Centric PLM

In a strategic move to boost product development efficiency and enhance visibility, Edwards Garment has adopted Centric PLM, an innovative solution from Centric Software. Founded in 1867, Edwards Garment specializes in providing professional workwear across various industries in North America. With its headquarters located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the company’s offerings include uniforms for healthcare, hospitality, security, and other sectors. However, as the company expanded, its previous Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system became a limiting factor, causing inefficiencies in development processes.

Challenges with the Old System

Barb Kuphal, Senior Technical Services Manager at Edwards Garment, detailed the issues faced with their legacy system, primarily the manual data input and repetitive tasks that hindered timely production. "When I joined the company a few years ago, my biggest struggle was adding a point of measure as it came in without the grade or tolerance. We had to fill it in manually, which can cause errors," she stated. In an industry where speed is crucial, delays proved detrimental, leading to a need for change.

"That's too long in an industry where speed to market is top of mind. We need it done and quickly," Kuphal explained, emphasizing the urgency and demand for a solution that caters to fast-paced market dynamics.

The Switch to Centric PLM

After a thorough evaluation of various vendors, Edwards Garment decided on Centric PLM based on positive feedback from industry acquaintances, the flexibility offered by the system, and its alignment with the company's internal needs. Kuphal remarked, "We always do research behind each system. I know two companies currently that use Centric and they both had good things to say."

During system demonstrations, the versatility of Centric PLM stood out, showcasing multiple views designed to cater to different users' needs. This adaptability makes it easier for team members to track progress in the manner that suits them best.

Expected Outcomes from the Implementation

With the implementation of Centric PLM, Edwards Garment is looking forward to significant efficiency improvements by decreasing manual workload, enhancing visibility across operations, and promoting better team coordination. The system will support departments such as merchandising, technical design, quality assurance, and external partners, while the marketing team will utilize product data for various launch campaigns. Kuphal anticipates a minimum of 20% time savings just by minimizing unnecessary clicks in their workflow.

A Future-Focused Approach

Edwards Garment recognizes Centric PLM as a foundational tool for enhanced collaboration across its various locations and a means to gain better control over product information. As Bryan Kiel, Director of Marketing, pointed out, the company is managing close to 50,000 SKUs across approximately 320 styles. Consolidating thousands of specifications onto a single platform will not only enhance communication with partners but also facilitate quicker decision-making processes.

"We are delighted to partner with Edwards Garment, a company with over 150 years of industry expertise. Centric PLM offers the visibility and structure essential to drive precision, quality, and speed within complex uniform programs," stated Fabrice Canonge, CEO of Centric Software.

The Road Ahead

As this digital transformation unfolds, Edwards Garment aims to elevate its operational aspects through the strategic application of Centric PLM, aligning its product management capabilities with modern market demands while ensuring quality and efficiency in uniform production. The partnership with Centric Software signifies a commitment to innovation and excellence in the garment industry, promising a brighter future for Edwards Garment as it continuously adapts to evolving standards and customer needs.