Appleseed's Deploys PTC Retail, Footwear And Apparel Solution To Drive PLM Initiatives

Needham, MA - PTC the Product Development Company, recently 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."

SOURCE: PTC