How PLM is Transforming Manufacturing for Eyewear Brands and Retailers

PLM software is designed to manage the entire lifecycle of a product from inception, design, and manufacturing, to service and disposal. It’s a unified platform that integrates people, processes, business systems, and information all in one easy-to-manage source. Initially adopted by aerospace and automotive industries, PLM has found relevance across various sectors, including fashion and eyewear.

In the eyewear industry, PLM software is instrumental in managing the intricate details of product development, from initial design sketches to final product launches. It ensures that all team members, whether they are in design, production, or marketing, have access to up-to-date information, fostering better collaboration and efficiency.

The eyewear industry faces several unique challenges that make it difficult to continually innovate and maintain market share. Those obstacles include:

• Rapidly changing fashion trends: Consumer preferences in eyewear can change quickly, influenced by fashion trends and seasonal styles. Keeping up with these changes requires agility and rapid innovation.
• Complex product designs: Eyewear products involve complex designs and a multitude of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), each with variations in color, size, and style.
• Strict regulatory compliance: Eyewear must comply with various safety and regulatory standards, which can vary by region. Ensuring compliance adds another layer of complexity.
• Global supply chain management: Managing a global supply chain requires maintaining quality control and timely delivery while coordinating with multiple suppliers and manufacturers.

Fortunately for eyewear brands, these and other challenges can be solved with PLM software’s agile and AI-driven retail planning solutions.

Implementing PLM software offers numerous advantages for eyewear retailers and manufacturers, ranging from streamlined product development to improved supply chain management and innovation. Here’s a look at some of the most beneficial features of PLM software for eyewear brands.

Streamlined Product Development

PLM software accelerates product development by integrating design, production, and marketing teams on a single-source platform. This seamless collaboration reduces time-to-market, allowing brands to quickly adapt to changing trends in real time. 

By having all design iterations and feedback in one place, teams can work more efficiently, reducing the development cycle and minimizing costly errors that may not have been recognized as quickly without PLM software.

Improved Quality and Compliance

Centralized data management is a cornerstone of PLM software, ensuring that all product information is consistent and accurate. This centralization makes it easier to track regulatory compliance and quality standards across different markets. 

With PLM, eyewear companies can maintain high quality and safety standards, essential for consumer trust and brand reputation.

More Efficient Supply Chain Management

PLM provides real-time visibility into the supply chain, enhancing coordination with suppliers and manufacturers. This visibility helps in anticipating and addressing potential disruptions, ensuring that production schedules are met and quality is maintained. 

By integrating supply chain data, PLM enables better inventory management and reduces lead times.

Better Cost Efficiency

One of the significant advantages of PLM software is cost efficiency. By streamlining processes and improving collaboration, PLM reduces development costs. It also minimizes errors and rework, further lowering expenses. 

The efficient management of resources and improved operational workflows translate into substantial cost savings for eyewear companies.

Innovation and Customization

PLM software facilitates innovative design processes by providing tools for advanced modeling and simulation. It enables eyewear brands to experiment with new materials, designs, and technologies. 

Even more, PLM supports customization, allowing brands to offer personalized products that meet specific consumer preferences, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are set to revolutionize PLM systems. These technologies can enhance predictive analytics, helping eyewear companies anticipate market trends and consumer preferences more accurately.

Additionally, the focus on sustainability is growing, with PLM systems increasingly supporting sustainable practices and materials. As the eyewear industry continues to evolve, PLM software will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and ensuring competitive advantage

Centric PLM offers deep industry knowledge, with best practices in fashion, retail, consumer goods, and manufacturing built-in, making it highly configurable to your unique business goals. 

Whether managing multiple brands, private label eyewear, or licensing out your brand, Centric PLM’s range of modules supports each stage of development, making it suitable for any setup in the eyewear industry. Its agile deployment allows companies to start seeing the benefits within 3-4 months, reducing investment risk and accelerating time-to-value. 

As the market leader in PLM solutions, Centric Software provides the digital tools needed to stay competitive, innovative, and closely connected to consumers. Ready to transform your eyewear business? Request a demo today and discover how Centric PLM can drive your retail success