Latest technology news and analysis articles 
The latest developments in software and equipment for everything from product design to inventory and supply chain management
FRANCE: Dassault pursues fresh strategy after Netvibes buy
10 February 2012
Design software and PLM expert Dassault Systèmes has signalled a change of strategy after acquiring dashboard intelligence technology specialist Netvibes.
UK: Gieves & Hawkes “saves GBP1m” in IT revamp
7 February 2012
London-based tailor Gieves & Hawkes stripped out GBP1m in stock and was able to diversify its range of products by upgrading its IT systems, according to software provider K3 Retail.
just-style management briefing: Other issues to watch in the year ahead
2 February 2012
Generally, 2012 is seen as being another challenging business year for the apparel industry. Uncertainties include the performance of the global economy, the European debt crisis, US consumer sentiment, and producer price inflation. Being able to react quickly to sourcing challenges, get more efficient in production, and reduce cycle times will help firms react to these volatile markets.
just-style management briefing: Lessons learnt from the past for the future
2 February 2012
What should apparel firms have learnt from the upheaval of the past couple of years - and what should they be doing now if they want to remain competitive into the future? Buyers and manufacturers need to build a deeper, long-term relationship our respondents said, as well as focusing on a sourcing portfolio that balances costs and risks.
just-style management briefing: Opportunities for the apparel industry in 2012
2 February 2012
Opportunities the apparel industry can look forward to this year include speed to market, which favours sourcing in the western hemisphere; growth in the number and spending power of middle-lass consumers in emerging markets like China and India; and the use of technology and the internet to make sourcing a truly global activity.
just-style management briefing: Apparel industry challenges in 2012
2 February 2012
Uncertainty is perhaps the biggest challenge facing the apparel industry in 2012. The economic situation in Europe and the US, swings in commodity prices, labour shortages and rising costs, especially in China, all add up to a worrying year.
INDIA: Lectra expands presence in "key market"
2 February 2012
Technology firm Lectra is expanding its presence in India to provide local support to help manufacturers optimise the benefits of using its solutions.
UK: Lingerie firm Eveden upgrades business software
2 February 2012
Lingerie and swimwear manufacturer Eveden Group is focusing on its worldwide expansion plans after upgrading its business software system.
TURKEY: Lectra appoints Gros as MENA head
27 January 2012
Lectra has appointed Jean-Patrice Gros as the director of its Middle East and North African operations.
JAPAN: Sato launches CO2 reducing label
26 January 2012
Sato has announced the launch of a series of labels that absorb and reduce the CO2 that is released into the atmosphere when labels are incinerated.
US: Retailers need "multi-dimensional offer"
25 January 2012
Retailers must focus on developing a multi-dimensional offer covering both online and bricks-and-mortar, according to research from the NPD Group.
UK: Ted Baker rolls out Cegid POS solutions
25 January 2012
Ted Baker is rolling out point-of-sale and retail management software, Yourcegid Retail, to help support its international expansion efforts.
UK: Heidi Klein to use Prologic CIMS system
24 January 2012
Retailer Heidi Klein, which sells holiday apparel ranging from bikinis and sunhats to flip-flops and kaftans, is using Prologic’s CIMS fashion business system to support the company’s recent rapid growth.
US: Nautica, Kipling implement JDA Allocation tool
24 January 2012
VF Corporation-owned apparel and accessory brands Nautica and Kipling have implemented the JDA Allocation system with the help of supply chain consulting firm RPE.
UK: Fast React unveils new global sourcing Vision
23 January 2012
A new global sourcing tool has been introduced by fashion industry planning specialist Fast React Systems to help provide full control and visibility of all key processes for sourcing garments, footwear and accessories.
US: Tradecard network grew by 36% in 2011
19 January 2012
TradeCard's global network of 10,000 retailers, brands, manufacturers and service providers grew by 36% in 2011, the company revealed this week, as its trading partners continued to embrace the cloud-based platform for end-to-end supply chain visibility.
AUSTRIA: Lenzing sues over alleged patent breach
18 January 2012
Fibre maker Lenzing has taken legal action against a rival engineering firm over the alleged violation of patents relating to its Lyocell technical fibre.
US: TXT adds new release to integrated planning tool
18 January 2012
TXT e-solutions has unveiled the latest release of its integrated retail planning solution, which has been updated with new functionality and improvements.
US: Consumer tracking tool boosts in-store experience
18 January 2012
A new mobile consumer tracking solution has been released by WirelessWERX that helps retailers tailor merchandising, marketing and operational decisions to on shoppers' in-store behaviour.
US: Asics opts for Lawson PLM solution
18 January 2012
Athletic footwear and apparel company Asics America has chosen to implement the full Lawson Fashion Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) suite developed by Lawson Software.
US: Abercrombie & Fitch using IBM to drive e-commerce
18 January 2012
Teen apparel retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is to work with IBM software in an effort to transform its online business and drive “dramatic” growth.
CHINA: Daphne employs Oracle retail applications
17 January 2012
Women’s footwear retailer Daphne Holdings is to use in-store software specialist Oracle Retail’s merchandising and planning applications.
US: Urban Outfitters opts for QuantiSense software
17 January 2012
Apparel retail group Urban Outfitters has licensed the full suite of software solutions offered by retail analytics specialist QuantiSense.
US: Fruit of the Loom to use Yunique PLM system
17 January 2012
Apparel company Fruit of the Loom is to implement Gerber Technology’s YuniquePLM product life cycle management system.
US: Starmount unveils Connect in-store platform
17 January 2012
Software provider Starmount has launched Starmount Connect, a shopper engagement software platform that promises to increase sales and provide a more personalised in-store shopping experience.
US: Saks trials Cornell-Mayo mobile POS
17 January 2012
Retailer Saks Fifth Avenue is trialling the Omniexpress mobile POS iPod application developed by POS software specialist Cornell-Mayo Associates.
US: DSW optimises footwear inventory productivity
17 January 2012
DSW has improved its inventory productivity using store size profiles to allocate and replenish inventory with SAS Size Optimization.
UK: Marks & Spencer trials NCR touchscreens
17 January 2012
Marks & Spencer today (17 January) said that it is working with NCR Corporation to trial multimedia zones in its stores that combine digital discovery touch screens, video walls and outfit displays.
US: Zappos hit by hack attack
16 January 2012
Amazon-owned online fashion retailer Zappos has told 24m customers to reset their passwords after a cyber attack in which hackers may have accessed their personal information.
US: Visual 2000 unveils new PLM solution
10 January 2012
PLM software developer Visual 2000 International is unveiling the fifth generation of its Visual PLM.net S fashion lifecycle management solution next week in New York.
