Competition hots up

As expected, PLM software vendors are not shy to boast the attributes that set them apart from competitors.

Yunique says its software provides the industry's strongest links between LP and PLM while its profile as a fashion-specific merchant helps it stand out against multi-industry PLM software suppliers.

"Being 100% focused on apparel gives us a clear advantage from non-specialised suppliers because this is all we do," said Poulton.

That claim was also used by Lectra, which boasts that its 35 years of experience as a specialised software vendor for the fashion industry gives it an edge against competitors. The firm claims that its Lectra Fashion PLM suite offers a "more complete" service for the design and development of a garment. Like Yunique, its product also offers the crucial line planning integration. Furthermore, it integrates with other customer enterprise applications such as ERP and SCM.

Like its rivals, Lectra plans to introduce innovations to its product range including enhanced three-dimensional (3-D) design technologies, Gondoin says.

In turn, PTC says its FlexPLM main product is faster and more efficient than the competition. While most other rival applications feature a calendar and/workflow feature to allow brands to track the status of an individual garment and collection, FlexPLM enables customers to manage different product work flows (such as those involved in trendy products and those for repeat products) at different timelines in a seasonal (collection) calendar, providing a unique and comprehensive service.