CHINA: Xtep updates PLM solution with DeSL

Chinese sportswear manufacturer and distributor Xtep (Group) Co Ltd has updated its product lifecycle management (PLM) system to boost collaboration within its global supply chain.

The rapidly growing business, which has 30 subsidiaries and more than 5,000 retail stores, has been using PLM since 2007, but needed a replacement system to strengthen the relationship with its suppliers.

Xtep also wanted more advanced and visual control of work flow and planning, from initial seasonal plan to product delivery.

The company has selected DeSL’s PLM and supply chain solutions, with DeSL’s Chinese partner SunzSoft as the consultancy team for the project.

“After two years of analysis, we have established good internal workflows and a very clear understanding of the benefits that PLM can bring to us,” said Dr Wu Lianyin, Xtep vice president and group CIO.

He added that DeSL’s mature Microsoft.Net platform “gives us confidence to strengthen our supply chain with suppliers and internal critical path management.”

Xtep Group’s apparel headquarters is located Quanzhou, Fujian Province, with more than 500 people working in the design and technology team.

As well as a sales network throughout China, the company has distributors in Kazakhstan, Turkey and Kuwait. 

Its two major brands are Xtep and Disney, with revenue from Xtep brands exceeding RMB3bn (US$439m) and a manufacturing capacity of 20m units a year.