5 Actionable Digital Transformation Strategies For Garments Industry
Digital transformation is no longer a business buzzword. It is a reality no organization can overlook, regardless of its size, scale, and domain. Even the traditional industries like garment manufacturing are keen to embrace technology to unlock the immense advantages of digital transformation. These include greater efficiency, flexibility, transparency, and cost-effectiveness, and these factors lead to higher profitability. But the road may appear long and daunting when you embark on it. The good thing is that you will find it easier than you imagine. Here are a few actionable tech transformation strategies that garment manufacturers can rely on.
Know what digitization is about
Familiarizing yourself with the common forms of digitization is the first step of the transformation journey. Consider the basics like automation of processes to reduce the dependence on manual labor in garment factories. You can embrace solutions to streamline other industrial processes like design, purchasing, inventory management, manufacturing, and scheduling. The goal should be to transform the entire supply chain rather than only the floor operations.
Understand the jargon
Besides understanding the meaning of digitization in the context of garment manufacturing, you must understand the jargon. You may come across complex terms like Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, automation, and the Internet of Things. These technologies sound big and expensive, but they are easy to embrace even as a small business. Digging deeper with research on the internet is a good idea. You can seek guidance from a seasoned technology consultant to implement apt solutions within your budget.
Invest in advanced machinery
A truly digitized garment factory has no qualms about investing in advanced machinery. You may consider innovation for every part of the factory floor, from the material warehouse to the sampling room, assembly line, and finishing department. But everything boils down to your budget. The good thing is that you have affordable alternatives if buying machinery seems out of the question. For example, you can consider Epson DTG printer financing for your t-shirt printing business. With this option, you can lease instead of buy, so modernization will not pinch your wallet.
Gain insights from data
Going digital need not be only about investing in state-of-the-art software or hardware. Not every manufacturer can afford to use expensive machinery, materials, intelligent sensors, and RFID chips. But it is possible to start small and move towards the bigger goal. The best way to start the journey is by gathering data from core processes, generating insights, and fine-tuning things for the better. The mindset enables you to optimize efficiencies, which is one of the key objectives of the transformation.
Embrace e-commerce
Besides the manufacturing and supply chain processes, marketing and sales should also be a part of the digital transformation plan for garment manufacturers. Whether you run on the B2B or B2C model, e-commerce is the key to growth in pandemic times. You must build a digital presence and let customers buy online instead of depending on the traditional model. You cannot expect digital transformation to work without covering this aspect of the business.
Digital transformation can take your garments business on the road to success. Follow these steps to begin the journey without worrying about cost and complexity.