“The New Normal?” It’s been the theme of multiple webinars and articles since we first realized that we were facing a global pandemic – one that is far more disruptive than we originally anticipated.
Lots of speculation, forecasting and of course good intelligence abounds. Still, the meme from Monty Python days is irresistible to mention: “Nobody expects a Spanish Inquisition”.
Humor aside, most of us recognize there will be irrevocable changes in the way we do business.
“We have a unique opportunity to work on a fresh canvas and truly design the future. What do we carry forward, what do we leave behind?,” said Wendy Berloe-Buch, Director of Business Development at PCC, a division of Newtimes Group.
As a quality management services provider, PCC has observed one of the pillars forecasted for the future, just prior to the global shutdown in March, was consumers’ overarching focus on quality.
Quality is now a top priority for consumers. They see it as a key part of the value a garment brings. Today’s consumer is not willing to compromise on durability and consistent fit for the sake of high fashion at a low price. They are educated shoppers and have high standards.
An example of this is American Eagle, which recently announced their new brand “Unsubscribed”
“Unsubscribed is a slow retail concept. Less deliveries, elevated quality, beautiful design — it’s about taking things easy,” Jennifer Foyle, global brand president for Aerie, said in a statement.
“ ‘Chase product’ and ‘quick response’ are louder buzzwords than slow retail, but the focus on quality is there. They reference better fabric and better workmanship,” said Ms. Berloe-Buch. PCC are the hands to make the execution of this particular vision possible.”
“We have a unique opportunity to work on a fresh canvas and truly design the future. What do we carry forward, what do we leave behind?"
As a quality management services provider, PCC has observed one of the pillars forecasted for the future, just prior to the global shutdown in March, was consumers’ overarching focus on quality.
Quality is now a top priority for consumers. They see it as a key part of the value a garment brings. Today’s consumer is not willing to compromise on durability and consistent fit for the sake of high fashion at a low price. They are educated shoppers and have high standards.
An example of this is American Eagle, which recently announced their new brand “Unsubscribed”
“Unsubscribed is a slow retail concept. Less deliveries, elevated quality, beautiful design — it’s about taking things easy,” Jennifer Foyle, global brand president for Aerie, said in a statement.
“ ‘Chase product’ and ‘quick response’ are louder buzzwords than slow retail, but the focus on quality is there. They reference better fabric and better workmanship,” said Ms. Berloe-Buch. PCC are the hands to make the execution of this particular vision possible.”
‘Chase product’ and ‘quick response’ are louder buzzwords than slow retail, but the focus on quality is also there.
Hands On Experience – with Apparel
Years of experience providing quality management for many of the world’s largest and finest apparel brands has taught PCC what does – and what doesn’t – work well when managing quality across a global supply chain.
One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen during the pandemic is an increased comfort level with and reliance on video conferencing. The Zoom meeting has become iconic. People realized that maybe we don’t have to be there in person to share ideas, product development and follow up on key milestones.
It’s been a major step forward for an industry that has lagged many others in embracing technology but in order to get product right, we still need people on the ground, especially at the factory level.
Smart companies are working with third party solution providers who can be hands on with their suppliers. Companies gain the advantage of on-site participation and supervision, without the need to send their USA or EU based teams out for international travel (or to manage fallout from unexpected travel restrictions).
“PCC has expert quality management teams on the ground in 22 global locations, most of which are outside of China,” said Ms. Berloe-Buch. “We can follow the adapting migration of manufacturing into alternative markets with our local expertise. We reduce the physical and emotional stress of travel for associates who would otherwise need to travel by air. This is exceptionally budget friendly as well.”
PCC has expert quality management teams on the ground in 22 global locations, most of which are outside of China
Why ‘Virtual’ Cannot Replace Hands-on
Another buzzword often heard these days is ‘virtual’. While there have been significant developments in virtual technology, it is not yet able to replace human capabilities in some areas.
“There is no question that much can be accomplished with virtual and digital tools; including some level of on-site viewing of manufacturing facilities and product in process. But VR, AR, Digital have limitations that people on the ground can overcome. If a vendor is new, or a long term vendor partner is struggling with reduced staff; if there is new product, sensitive product, a growing demand for sustainability and transparency, an elevated aesthetic, some new materials and wet/dry processes – hands on, as well as up close eyes on, is essential,” explained Ms. Berloe-Buch.
PCC’s regional and local teams enhance the view provided by long distance viewing with targeted on site visits and exceptional product and quality expertise.
- Local QC Teams on the ground – get there as needed, and quickly
- Hands On presence ensures the best manufacturing process in place to execute smaller quantities quickly
- Vendor Training Programs provide vendors with a constant Quality focus in their facilities and greater understanding of programs such as Lean Manufacturing supports agility.
The Importance of Vendor Training Programs
Vendor training is often overlooked as companies are more reliant on new technology. However technology is simply a tool and if vendors and staff are not well trained, even the most sophisticated technology won’t be able to compensate.
“We have a comprehensive syllabus and certification program for vendors. We train the factory’s QC teams to increase their knowledge and competence in Quality Management, build brand intimacy, reduce expense associated with seconds and rework and support agility in the supply chain process,” said Ms. Berloe-Buch.
PCC is an industry leader in Vendor Training Programs.
“Agility and the ability to respond quickly to market variables will be even more important in coming months and Certified Trained in-house auditors help to raise the overall quality performance of a factory,” she added.
There is an expectation in the market place that Textile and Apparel companies will want to pursue “Chase” programs to compensate for strategically reduced inventory positions throughout the balance of 2020, and into 2021.
“Chase” is not a new concept, but the expected scope and scale is predictably greater. Vendors will need the support PCC can bring to navigate a still volatile marketplace with higher demands and expectations.
