Apparel and footwear supply chains have become global and complex as new markets emerge, new low cost manufacturing technology evolves, means of transport becomes flexible and cheap and pressure to deliver products faster whilst reducing costs and maximising profits continues. Apparel and footwear companies need to take control of their supply chain in order to become flexible in identifying and choosing the best way of fulfilling demand, synchronising activities to minimise costs and maximise sales opportunities.

The philosophy behind e.ssential supply chain management is simply collaborating to integrate management of facilities, functions and activities to produce and deliver a product to customers faster at a lower cost maximising profitability at all stages.

e.ssential scm provides businesses with visibility and control of information, material and finances. This visibility directly reduces problems such as backlogs, out-of-stock situations, poor resource utilisation, low customer satisfaction, lack of timely and inaccurate information to enable businesses to improve forecasting and operational efficiencies so that they sell more and stock less.

Apparel and footwear companies need to have contact with their supply chain at multiple points through their organisation during various hours of the day. The internet is the hub for collaboration aiding communication and the exchange of information in real-time.

Datel is working to help its customers meet these challenges through the e.ssential supply chain management solution that delivers a collaborative supply chain, lowers costs, reduces stock levels, improves customer service and increases profitability.

Integration is the key
To collaborate in a real time world, integration must be total, e.ssential has been integrated with the Protex ERP system for a real time view. Interfaces are available to other legacy systems.