Revolutionize Your Fashion Business with Aptean Apparel Software Solutions

Written by Tirsa Parrish and Megan Cascio

In today's fast-paced world, technology is ubiquitous, revolutionizing industries and transforming how we conduct business. It's surprising that, despite it being very common, the Fashion Industry—particularly its manufacturing side—often relies solely on pen and paper to track the progress of items through the production process. Production often occurs in small factories with relatively few employees. Small, mid-size, and even large factories work on tight margins making efficiency imperative to maximize potential profits. Aptean has a revolutionary technology called Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control that was designed specifically for the Fashion Industry and addresses all these concerns while delivering a significant return on investment for every client.

Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Aptean Apparel Solutions

Aptean is a global software company that specializes in providing industry-specific software solutions to various industries. They offer software solutions that cater to industries including fashion and apparel, food and beverage, process manufacturing, discrete manufacturing, and more. Aptean's mission revolves around providing specialized software solutions that address the unique challenges and needs of these specific industries. The company aims to empower businesses by offering technology that streamlines processes, increases efficiency, and improves overall performance. Their commitment to enhancing industrial efficiency involves developing software that helps businesses optimize operations, reduce costs, improve product quality, and make informed decisions through data-driven insights.

Product Suite for Optimal Efficiency and Performance

Aptean has focused on several products specifically for the fashion industry, solutions that optimize operations and drive efficiency for its clients. These solutions include:

Aptean Apparel ERP is a purpose-built fashion and apparel solution that helps conquer supply chain challenges and drive growth. ERP optimizes operational efficiency, improves inventory accuracy, accelerates time-to-market, and offers master omnichannel fulfillment - an all-in-one software solution!

Aptean Apparel PLM allows the user to track a product from the very beginning of the customer's process to the very end. This software centralizes and integrates data, processes, workflows, teams, and systems across a business, providing a single source of truth about the product life cycle.

Aptean EDI allows an effortless exchange of documents and data in a secure, electronic format to-and-from trading partners without third-party intervention. Improve data accuracy and security, simplify pricing, and connect to your trading partners in no time!

Image courtesy Aptean, SEC

Empowering the Workforce: Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control

Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control software is specifically designed to revolutionize manufacturing processes for the fashion industry. It offers a comprehensive set of features to optimize production workflows and increase efficiency on the factory floor. This software allows businesses to allocate resources effectively, such as materials, labor, and equipment, based on real-time production data, leading to better resource utilization and reduced downtime. Aptean Apparel SFC can work either as a stand-alone product or integrated into existing systems, such as ERP or PLM. Likewise, for companies that don't have any systems in place, Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control can scale to meet all your needs.

SFC provides real-time visibility into the production process. This level of transparency empowers managers to monitor operations as they identify bottlenecks and make data-driven decisions promptly. With timely insights, manufacturers can optimize production schedules, allocate resources efficiently, and respond swiftly to changes in demand or supply chain disruptions. With access to real-time production data and performance analytics, manufacturers can identify areas for improvement and innovation. This encourages a culture of continuous improvement leading to optimized processes, increased productivity, and a competitive advantage in the market.

Embracing the Future: Real-Time Data in Manufacturing

Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control is a powerful solution designed to optimize manufacturing operations. This product has continuously proven Return on Investment (ROI). Aptean will calculate the anticipated ROI for your company upfront. The increased productivity and efficiency of your employees and workflow can save your company money and the software will pay for itself in a short amount of time! In fact, 95% of their customers see an ROI in less than four months.

Core functionalities of the software include: 

• Real-time data
• Plant floor visibility and control
• Worker performance feedback
• Off-standard time accounting
• Quality control features

Android tablets with wireless networking and an easy-to-use web-based management dashboard are used for this software. Android devices are not only relatively inexpensive and easily obtainable from many retail locations, and they also offer features that make Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control very user-friendly. For example, Android devices allow real-time data collection by granting software access to built-in hardware like the camera to scan ID badges, inventory tags with QR codes, and more that is not available with iOS. To set up or replace a tablet with Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control, all that is required is downloading the Aptean App and scanning two QR codes. The tablet is then completely integrated into the company’s production and manufacturing system.

Image courtesy Aptean

SFC also offers plant floor visibility and control to managers with order work in progress (WIP) tracking, line balancing tools, and advanced production planning. The software can track each item's progress through the manufacturing process as the tags are scanned at each station. This improves decision-making and overall productivity. 

Employees love working with Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control. Worker performance feedback increases individual and team productivity using pacing and motivational tools and document delivery of any file type. The software has user-friendly interfaces that are intuitive for operators, reducing training time and enhancing user engagement. This system allows workers to track their own progress, including how much they are being paid, which is a big advantage for retaining and hiring new employees when they know modern technology is at their workstations.

Additionally, the software inks into a company's Human Resources and Accounting departments to provide easy and instant communication between employees and these departments. The off-standard time accounting feature tracks training progress with alerts and approvals for all off-standards and pay/off-standard code management. Employees can even ask for days off right through their devices! Quality control features make it easy to identify and manage quality issues by providing pictures and quality performance reporting.

This software improves a company's production and manufacturing goals through integration, real-time performance metrics, and data-driven decision-making. Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control fosters two-way data flow, where production updates are reflected in ERP systems and vice versa, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information across the organization. Analytics dashboards provide real-time insights into key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cycle times, downtime, and production rates, fluctuating on-the-fly adjustments. The software uses charts and graphs to present complex production data in an easy-to-understand manner. The data-driven nature of shop floor control supports a culture of continuous improvement, with insights guiding ongoing operational enhancements.

Additional features of real-time data availability, predictive analytics, and data-driven progress make this an essential managerial tool. There is a productivity boost when managers can quickly identify production bottlenecks, resource shortages, or quality issues and take immediate corrective actions. This minimizes downtime and optimizes resource allocation. Enhanced decision-making shows managers potential production challenges, maintenance needs, or quality variations based on historical data and models, enabling proactive decision-making. Aptean's continuous improvement culture ensures that shop floor control technology nurtures a culture of continuous improvement by offering insights for ongoing enhancement. Regular analysis, adjustments, and informed changes lead to iterative process improvements and higher overall productivity levels.

Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control facilitates efficient resource allocation and scheduling to streamline the manufacturing process. The software aligns production resources with the current demand. Real-time data allows for dynamic scheduling adjustments based on changing priorities or unexpected events.

Image courtesy Aptean

SFC leverages digital connectivity and the Internet of Things to establish a network that connects various production assets, machines, sensors, and devices. This connectivity allows for real-time data transmission, enabling remote access and monitoring of production processes regardless of location. This means corporate headquarters and manufacturing sites do not need to be in the same location to seamlessly work together with this software system! Data is stored and processed in the cloud, accessible through secure online interfaces from anywhere with an internet connection. 

Aptean is revolutionizing manufacturing and production in the fashion industry by optimizing resource allocation and inventory management. Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control helps in the effective allocation of resources, such as materials, labor, and equipment, based on real-time production data. This optimization ensures maximum utilization of resources and reduces operational costs, making businesses more agile in response to shifting trends. The system assists apparel businesses in maintaining strict quality control standards and compliance with industry regulations. This ensures that products meet customer expectations and comply with safety and quality standards, fostering trust and reliability, and customer satisfaction, which enhances manufacturers' capabilities and fosters long-term partnerships. The system facilitates seamless communication and collaboration with customers, enabling manufacturers to share real-time updates on production progress, delivery timelines, and any potential issues. This transparency fosters trust and strengthens the manufacturer-customer relationship. Aptean's software empowers manufacturers to identify potential issues early in the production process and take proactive measures to address them before they impact customers. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Aptean's customer-centric approach supported by Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control has built a positive reputation and strong brand image in the market. Its apparel-specific software systems prioritize user-friendly interfaces for easy adoption and Its systems offer solutions that not only meet industry standards but also empower clients with tailored tools for growth and success.

To learn more about the Aptean fashion and apparel software solutions, connect with them on Fashion Index or to request a demo.