In today's fast-paced retail world, supply chains aren't just a behind-the-scenes process that you ignore - it’s a secret weapon for fashion and apparel brands to boost profits, as long as you make the conscious effort to optimise them. Imagine a world where your products hit the shelves at just the right time, in the perfect quantity, and at the right price. That's what a connected supply chain can do for you.
Unlocking profits with the power of a connected supply chain
March 05, 2025
What is a connected supply chain?
A connected supply chain is a digitally enabled network that links suppliers, logistics providers, manufacturers, and customers through real-time data sharing. Unlike traditional linear supply chains, it operates as an ecosystem where partners and systems are seamlessly integrated, breaking down silos and creating a unified flow of information. This digital connectivity provides end-to-end visibility, allowing companies to track and manage everything from raw materials to the final delivery point.
A connected supply chain enables organisations to move beyond fragmented processes by unifying data streams into a single, transparent view of operations. With this foundation, businesses can make more informed, proactive decisions, ensuring their supply chain functions as a cohesive, adaptable network rather than a series of isolated steps.
A connected supply chain is a core part of our ERP Solution.
What are the advantages of a connected supply chain?
There are three main benefits of a connected supply chain:
Profitability
Sustainability
Flexibility
Here’s a breakdown of how this process is helping businesses achieve their goals.
Profitability
Forward-thinking retailers, along with fashion and accessories brands, are leaving their competitors in the dust by embracing connected supply chains. Here’s how they’re doing it:
Crystal ball insights: They're tapping into data-driven insights to predict and meet customer demand with uncanny accuracy.
Waste not, want not: By fine-tuning production, they're saying goodbye to overflowing warehouses and hello to lean, mean efficiency.
Right place, right time: They're ensuring products arrive when and where they're needed, without breaking the bank on shipping costs.
The advantages above help you generate one thing: profit. The combination of these advantages can help make your fashion brand more profitable while cutting costs down.
Sustainability?
When it comes to digital transformation, you don't have to choose between being green and making green. Digital supply chains are the bridge that connects sustainability with profitability. As Phil Friedman, President and CEO of CGS, puts it:
"Our solutions are united by a common thread — the commitment to driving innovation, efficiency, and success for our clients in a digital world."
A connected supply chain can play a major role in making manufacturing more sustainable by reducing waste at every stage of production. With real-time data and end-to-end visibility, manufacturers can better align supply with actual demand, preventing overproduction and minimising excess inventory that often ends up as waste.
By connecting systems and partners digitally, companies can identify inefficiencies, optimise resource use, and ensure materials and energy are consumed more responsibly—leading to a leaner, lower-waste manufacturing process.
Flexibility
A connected, digital supply chain provides the insights and efficiency to stay competitive - but true resilience comes from flexibility. In fashion and retail, where styles, seasons, and consumer preferences change in a heartbeat, supply chains must be precise and adaptable.
Like a gymnast executing a flawless routine or a rugby team playing to each member’s strengths, supply chain leaders need agility and balance.
As Paul Magel, President of Application Solutions Division at CGS, notes: “Flexibility is the key… because what worked yesterday is not necessarily what will work today and tomorrow.”
The ability to increase visibility with a connected supply chain enables smarter, faster decision-making, making them more agile in their decision making. This flexibility is allowing businesses to allocate inventory profitably, optimise distribution, and respond to shifting sales drivers. Without flexibility, even the most connected supply chain risks falling behind.
How to maintain a flexible supply chain
When trying to keep your supply chain flexible, or increase supply chain speed, think of the following to make sure you’re able to adapt.
Disruptions will come daily. While retailers can’t always predict the next curveball, they can improve agility by embracing digital supply chain solutions. Real-time visibility into inventory, production and logistics minimises delays and helps teams pivot faster.
Consumer expectations will intensify. Meeting heightened expectations requires proactive measures. AI-driven demand forecasting and data integration across sales channels can ensure that the right products are always in the right place.
Economies will ebb and flow. Flexibility is key. Consider diversifying supplier networks and using nearshoring strategies to mitigate risks during economic downturns.
Supply chain complexity will increase. Simplify processes by adopting end-to-end solutions, such as PLM-ERP integrations, which centralise operations from design to delivery.
New channels and technologies will emerge: Future-proof your operations with scalable technologies like e-commerce connectors and digital sampling tools. These innovations streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve speed to market.
Having a connected supply chain will help you navigate these challenges and stay flexible. As a core component of our Enterprise resource management solution at BlueCherry, we’ll make your entire fashion brand operations more efficient. Learn more about ERP today.
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How else can you benefit by turning your manufacturing process digital?
Imagine having a Swiss Army knife for your supply chain. That’s exactly what going digital does. Here's what end-to-end digital solutions offer:
Planning and development
AI Demand Planning: Anticipate and meet customer needs with precision and agility.
Product Lifecycle Management: From concept to consumer, seamlessly.
Operations management
ERP/Order Management: Keep your business humming like a well-oiled machine.
Shop Floor Control: Know what's happening on your factory floor, in real-time.
Analytics and optimisation
Business Intelligence: Turn data into your competitive edge.
Warehouse Management: Make your warehouse work smarter, not harder.
How to go digital with BlueCherry
What if you could combine all these solutions into one single platform? With BlueCherry, you can. With BlueCherry's connected supply chain solutions, you'll be able to:
Break down silos by connecting internal and external teams for seamless collaboration.
Access real-time data to make faster, smarter decisions.
Increase agility with on-trend product design and flexible production runs.
Orchestrate global production while boosting factory productivity and transparency.
Manage suppliers and orders efficiently to meet retail requirements and exceed consumer expectations.
Ready to turn your supply chain into a profit-generating powerhouse? It's time to connect the dots across your extended supply chain with BlueCherry. Don't just take our word for it—see the power of a connected supply chain for yourself.
Download our eye-opening eBook, 'The Connected Supply Chain: Fast, Flexible, Profitable, and start your journey to supply chain supremacy today!