Stio Leverages Centric PLM to Achieve Growth and Environmental Sustainability

Stio, an outdoor lifestyle company based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, was founded in 2011 to create high-quality and functional apparel that inspires people to connect with nature. Driven by the principles of sustainability and performance, the brand has steadily grown into a key player in the outdoor apparel market. In recent years, Stio faced pressures from rapid growth and the need to adapt to evolving compliance measures, which prompted them to seek out more effective solutions for their product development process.

The Challenge

Initially, Stio relied on spreadsheets and a basic Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system, which did not provide the robust capabilities needed to support their expanding operations. As the company grew, the shortcomings of their existing processes became more apparent. "When we launched, we started off with basic tools, but as we expanded our product lines, we recognized the need for a more advanced solution," recalls Sandy Flint, Stio's Senior Materials Manager.

Stio aimed to enhance visibility across material sourcing, streamline product development, and track sustainability metrics in real time. The need for an innovative solution that would allow them to scale in various categories and channels became paramount.

Embracing Centric PLM

In 2021, Stio made a strategic decision to implement Centric PLM, a sophisticated management tool that empowers brands in the outdoor, fashion, and other industries to optimize their product lifecycle. The choice of Centric PLM was driven by its capacity to provide a single source of truth for material management and product development, alongside its scalability to meet Stio's burgeoning operational needs.

Since its adoption, Centric PLM has transformed the way Stio operates. Flint states, "Today, Centric PLM is integral to how we run our product creation team. I can't imagine how we would manage without it.” The platform has enabled the organization to embed PLM practices thoroughly across all departments, streamlining the development cycle significantly.

Track Record of Sustainability and Innovation

Following the successful implementation of Centric PLM, Stio has made notable strides toward achieving its sustainability goals. The company has integrated sustainability metrics into its daily operations and product development processes, allowing them to monitor progress towards their environmental objectives closely. "We're constantly considering how we can leverage PLM to be more adaptable and flexible," notes Flint.

Fabrice Canonge, CEO of Centric Software, underscores the significance of Stio's accomplishments, stating, "We are pleased with the outstanding results Stio has achieved using Centric PLM, particularly regarding their sustainability wins and category expansion. We look forward to seeing how they continue to innovate exceptional products while upholding their high standards of environmental responsibility."

The Future of Stio

Stio’s commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable outdoor apparel is more robust than ever, thanks to the enhancements brought about by Centric PLM. As the brand continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the capabilities afforded by this PLM solution provide a solid foundation for ongoing growth and success in the outdoor market.

As they move forward, Stio is committed to staying true to their mission of inspiring connection with the outdoors while ensuring an operational framework that promotes sustainability and ethical practices. Learn more about Stio and their journey to creating sustainable outdoor products at Stio's official website.