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By California Apparel News
Apparel-industry insiders have been preparing for 2025 under a cloudy uncertainty that offers few clear solutions for fashion professionals. From supply-chain challenges, tariff conflicts and transparency demands, the clothing business has attempted to prepare for rough seas ahead while recognizing the only constant variable is change and building a strong stable of technology resources is the best method of weathering these pressing issues.
The current climate is generating great uncertainty, but modern technology solutions such as virtual reality, artificial and augmented intelligence, blockchain, enterprise resource planning, radio frequency identification and cloud developments support greater stability and peace of mind for brands and their suppliers.
California Apparel News asked experts in fashion technology: What pressing fashion-industry issue are you most concerned with, and is there a specific technology solution that can help solve it?
John Robinson
Senior Strategic Account Manager of Apparel
Aptean
The fashion industry today is achieving better visibility and efficiency across the supply chain. Brands and manufacturers are under constant pressure to meet customer demands for faster delivery, ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing, and keep costs in check. Unfortunately, many businesses are still relying on outdated or disconnected systems, making it tough to get a clear view of supplier performance, production timelines or inventory flow.
Enterprise Resource Planning systems built specifically for the apparel industry provide end-to-end visibility, giving real-time insights into inventory levels, supplier metrics and production schedules. This empowers businesses to make smarter decisions and adapt quickly when disruptions arise.
Pairing an ERP with a Product Lifecycle Management system takes it even further by simplifying the design and development process. PLM tools make it easier to collaborate with suppliers and speed up time-to-market, which is crucial in today’s industry.
When used together, ERP and PLM lay the groundwork for a supply chain that’s not just more efficient but also more transparent and sustainable. Investing in these solutions isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about staying ahead, building trust with customers and positioning your brand to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Paul F. Magel
President of the Application Solutions Division
Computer Generated Solutions (CGS)
Among the fashion industry’s most pressing issues is agility—the ability to rapidly adapt to shifting market forces and unexpected challenges.
This includes meeting sustainability objectives as fashion brands face mounting regulatory pressure and consumer demand to minimize environmental impact, from reducing waste and emissions to adopting circular production practices. Achieving these goals requires agile internal systems that can adapt to shifts in sourcing, production and distribution.
Agility also means staying ahead of economic uncertainties such as those posed by tariffs. Tariffs have the potential to significantly impact fashion supply chains, and preparation is key for brands to navigate these challenges. Enhancing supply-chain operational agility can help businesses pivot quickly, capitalize on changing market demands and potentially gain market share from competitors.
Digital supply-chain solutions seamlessly integrate end-to-end visibility and predictive analytics, empowering brands to mitigate unforeseen disruptions, meet sustainability goals and align with consumer preferences. For example, with real-time tracking and demand planning, fashion brands can produce only what’s needed, in turn reducing waste while ensuring timely delivery. Similarly, tools that centralize design, sourcing and production workflows improve collaboration and efficiency across the entire supply chain.
Leonard Marano
President of the Americas
Lectra
The fashion industry today is faced with the task of credibly aligning sustainability and profitability. In the wake of increasingly strict environmental regulations around traceability, carbon-footprint reduction and ethical production, brands are under immense pressure to adapt quickly and achieve the delicate balance of econogy.
Econogy—where ecology meets economy at the intersection of technology and sustainability—is transforming the industry, enabling companies to leverage advanced technology like artificial intelligence. AI helps brands streamline supply chains, optimize inventory management and predict consumer demand while reducing waste and improving efficiency.
AI-powered analytics can identify areas for improvement in sustainability practices, offering brands actionable insights to enhance their operations and meet regulatory requirements. This technology empowers companies to build consumer trust, align with evolving expectations, and maintain profitability in a competitive landscape.
By integrating AI into their operations, brands can navigate regulatory challenges, foster transparency and drive innovation. As we get deeper into 2025, the adoption of AI-driven solutions will be critical for success in the rapidly evolving fashion landscape.
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