INUIKII Launches Centric PLM to Enhance Product Management and Collaboration

INUIKII Successfully Integrates Centric PLM

Introduction
In a significant milestone for the footwear industry, Swiss premium brand INUIKII has officially adopted Centric PLM (Product Lifecycle Management). This strategic move is designed to bolster product data management and improve cooperation between internal teams and suppliers. Centric Software, known for its innovative software solutions, plays a crucial role in facilitating this transformation.

Company Background
Established in 2013, INUIKII is a family-driven brand that embodies the essence of Swiss design by blending comfort and avant-garde style. With sustainability as a cornerstone value, INUIKII offers seasonal collections for men, women, and children, operating within the premium market segment. A notable aspect of INUIKII’s operations includes sourcing 90% of its materials from Europe and producing 60% of its output on the continent, with the remaining 40% sourced from Asia. By collaborating with a network of over 50 material suppliers and multiple manufacturers, INUIKII aims to maintain a transparent supply chain.

Challenges Faced
As INUIKII's product range expanded, managing diverse data became increasingly challenging. Product information was previously distributed across various spreadsheets, emails, and independent tools, leading to disorganization and a reduction in transparency. This lack of cohesive communication made interactions with suppliers cumbersome and hindered effective decision-making.

The Solution: Centric PLM
To tackle these challenges, INUIKII recognized the necessity of a single platform where comprehensive product information could be collated. Centric PLM emerged as the solution due to its proven track record in the fashion and footwear sectors. Alessio Maag, Co-Founder and Chief Production Officer, noted that Centric PLM was chosen for its flexibility and scalability, and many of INUIKII’s suppliers were already familiar with its capabilities.

The implementation journey saw INUIKII transition from the project kickoff to a successful go-live within just seven months. This rapid adaptability was aided by a phased approach, beginning with the integration of core product data and seasonal workflows before extending functionality.

Early Benefits and Future Ambitions
Feedback from the teams at INUIKII highlights the positive impact of the transition to Centric PLM. According to Maag, the implementation process was smooth, with well-managed scope, timing, and budget. They are already experiencing the advantages of operating with a unified source of truth for product data. As the onboarding of suppliers progresses, INUIKII anticipates further improvements in efficiency and decision-making cycles.

Looking ahead, INUIKII aims to broaden its utilization of Centric PLM into new product categories while enhancing its sustainability tracking and connecting various tools into an integrated digital ecosystem. This strategic vision aims to create a holistic operational environment rather than relying on disparate tools.

Valuable Insights for Other Brands
Drawing upon their PLM implementation experience, INUIKII emphasizes the importance of clearly defining objectives from the outset of a transformation project. They advise other brands to invest time in change management and to actively involve key users from the start. Maag suggests that a PLM initiative should be perceived not merely as an IT project, but as a comprehensive metamorphosis of operational processes that can unlock significant value when teams are aligned.

Conclusion
The successful adoption of Centric PLM marks a pivotal moment in INUIKII's digital transformation journey. Fabrice Canonge, CEO of Centric Software, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in modernizing INUIKII's product operations, ultimately positioning the brand for sustained growth in a competitive market.

For further information about Centric Software and its offerings, as well as INUIKII's innovative collections, please explore their respective websites.