The complete guide to selecting the right Garment ERP Software

Garment ERP Software is the backbone for any garment manufacturing business. Selecting the right software for managing your apparel supply chain is a vital decision for business success.  

You don’t want to choose a system that’s too basic and doesn’t cover all your operational requirements. But you also don’t want to choose an ERP that’s so advanced that it makes it hard for your team to do their job. Balancing this can sound complicated. That’s why we’ve created a complete ERP Buying Guide!  

Before you go buying any garment software, you need to understand its role. An ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software for garment businesses helps integrate various business processes into a centralized system, with a shared database and diverse modules to automate and streamline workflows. It helps you track and analyze operations and facilitate better decision-making.  

A good ERP system covers all key garment manufacturing processes—like sampling, procurement, inventory management, finance, accounting, sales order processing, business intelligence and so on. This enables businesses to operate more efficiently, streamline production processes and allow better collaboration across the organization.  

ERP also helps companies improve employee satisfaction and customer relationships by automating repetitive tasks, centralizing all information and making reporting easier. However, choosing the right solution can be an overwhelming process (especially if it’s your first time).

This is our 10-step ultimate guide to choosing the best Garment ERP for your needs!

1. Analyze Your Processes and Problem Areas

The first step to buying any software for garment manufacturing is being clear about your challenges and goals. Knowing your problem areas empowers you to determine what solution is the “right fit” for your needs and how it should be implemented to elevate your current set up.  

This is crucial—think about how each of your internal processes currently works, what is its objective, who it affects, and if there are better ways of doing them. You can start by asking yourself and your team the following questions:  

• What digital tools are your teams currently using? How many?  
• How long does it take to find information? 
• Are your employees able to communicate and work together easily?  
• What are the most manual processes in your operation?  
• Where are the delays or unnecessary steps in your processes? 
• Do you have the right business data and reports? Are you using it well?  
• How do you see the business growing in the next 5 to 10 years? 

Pondering over these questions should force you to picture the most optimized version of your business. You want to find software that helps you achieve these goals as easily as possible. 

2. Decide Between Standalone Tools or an Integrated ERP Setup  

Garment industry software comes in all shapes and sizes these days. If you want to streamline just one or a select few functions, you can use stand-alone apps. For example, if you want to track inventory control and orders in one place but don’t want to get into financial and material requirements planning (MRP), then stand-alone may be right for you. But this may not work in the long run.  

End-to-end integrated ERP systems (like our Apparel ERP or Textile ERP) have proven to be far more successful. You cannot centralize processes, data and/or people in one place with a standalone solution. This often means people enter the same data in different systems multiple times. If each department uses their own systems that don’t use each other’s data stores, the business must bear higher costs. That’s why integrated solutions end up being less expensive and offer better ROI in the long run! 

The efficiency gains, employee satisfaction and collaboration improvement from integrated solutions are hard to beat. They give you 360-degree visibility into all functions without having to log into different dashboards or programs separately which saves time while reducing errors!  

3. Look for a System Tailored to Your Industry

The fashion industry has unique needs and challenges, making it crucial to choose a system designed specifically to streamline garment production processes. Working with industry experts who possess sector-specific expertise ensures the implementation of best practices, smooth integration, and the inclusion of the right features. A garment manufacturing ERP should have at least the following features: 

End-to-End Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) 

• Design Process Management: Oversee the entire design process, including handling design changes. 
• BOM Creation: Create and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs) seamlessly. 
• Task Scheduling: Schedule and track merchandising tasks effectively. 
• Inventory Control: Maintain precise control over fashion inventory. 
• Analytics Reports: Generate detailed analytics reports to drive informed decision-making. 

Robust Accounting Module 

• Accounts Payable and Receivable: Manage purchase orders, receipts, and invoice processing. 
• Credit Management: Track payment terms and manage credit effectively. 

Garment Manufacturing Quality Control 

• Defect Tracking: Monitor product defects throughout the lifecycle, from design to final inspection. 
• Preventive Maintenance: Implement preventive maintenance plans and rework processes. 

Comprehensive Shipping System 

• Warehouse Management: Efficiently manage warehouse operations. 
• Logistics Coordination: Handle pick-up and delivery schedules. 
• Shipping Rates Management: Calculate shipping rates based on location and other factors. 

In addition to these features, compatibility with other third-party tools like CRM, SCM, and eCommerce platforms is essential. This ensures seamless integration across your business operations, enhancing overall efficiency and effectiveness.  

4. Ensure The System Meets Your Technical Requirements  

When researching various solutions on the market, it’s crucial to consider your company’s current technological maturity, including your existing hardware and software stack. First, ensure that the ERP system works seamlessly with your current computers, tablets, and other IT equipment. Verify that the software does not necessitate changes in your network configuration or require additional hardware purchases. If new hardware investments are necessary, be sure to factor these costs into your decision-making process. 

Additionally, the system should integrate smoothly with your factory’s network, avoiding disruptions and ensuring efficient operations. Opt for a solution that employs the latest technologies to provide robust business intelligence and data reporting tools, ensuring you always have access to high-quality performance and advanced functionalities. 

The system should be highly reliable with minimal downtime, as constant availability is crucial for successful business operations. Assess the vendor’s track record for system performance and support to ensure you’re choosing a reliable option. 

Security is another vital aspect. The system must have strong security measures to prevent unauthorized access and modifications by hackers. Look for features such as encryption, user authentication, and regular security updates to protect your sensitive business data.  

5. Find A System That’s Easy to Use for Your Team  

Nobody wants a system that’s hard to use, so it’s essential to ensure the user interface is intuitive and user-friendly. This is critical because your team will be interacting with the ERP daily. If they find it difficult to operate, they may become frustrated and ultimately stop using the system altogether.  

Consider arranging demonstrations or trial periods to let your staff experience the software firsthand and gather their feedback on its usability. 

Some things to look out for include:  

• Navigation: Are the navigation buttons easy to find and operate?  
• Screen Layout: Is there too much information on each screen that distracts you from what you need? 
• Filters: Do you have the right filters to quickly get the information you need? 
• Learning Curve: Is there a large learning curve associated with using this application? How long does it take for a newbie to work efficiently with it? 
• Data Entry: How easy is it to enter data into fields? Is there a lot of manual work involved in entering information, or does it automatically pull data from other systems? 
• Report Generation: How easy is it to run reports? Can you get the answers instantly, or do you have to wait for hours?  

These are just some of the UX questions you should ask yourself before deciding.

6. Check Implementation and Post Go-live Support

Once you’ve found a vendor that fits your industry and business needs, evaluate their implementation and post-go-live support options. Investigate how many successful client implementations they have led, especially those similar to your business, and the results they’ve achieved. This will give you a sense of their expertise and reliability. 

Ensure that your garment industry ERP vendor has a dedicated team of support specialists available during your business hours and in your time zone. These specialists should be reachable via phone or email to assist with any system issues, answer questions, fix bugs, or provide other necessary support. 

Understanding the vendor’s post-go-live support structure is also essential. Reliable and knowledgeable support will ensure smooth operations and help you resolve problems quickly, giving you confidence in your long-term use of the software.  

7. Calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

After evaluating all other factors, it’s essential to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) in your decision-making process. TCO encompasses all expenses related to installing and maintaining a software system over time. This includes hardware (if necessary), software licensing, implementation fees, and training and support costs. 

Remember to account for hidden costs in your calculation. For example, expect some downtime during the transition from your current ERP system to the new one. Additionally, consider potential maintenance and upgrade expenses after the system goes live. Some vendors may charge extra for post-live support, while others might have a pay-as-you-go model for specific modules. Annual maintenance fees can also be a factor, covering updates, upgrades, and bug fixes. 

Including these hidden costs in your TCO calculation will provide a clearer picture of the financial commitment required, helping you make a more informed decision.  

8. Consider Mobile or Remote Access Requirements

In today’s globalized world, accessing your ERP system from anywhere, on any device, is essential. Determine whether your work will be primarily office-based or if you’ll need constant access while on the road. Consider the following questions: 

• Will you be able to download data from devices like smartphones and tablets while offline? 
• Will there be a way for others at head office to monitor factory operations remotely? 

Having the right software ensures smooth operations by allowing you to check on production from anywhere. This means issues with orders or stock levels can be addressed immediately, rather than waiting until everyone is back in the office. 

For businesses with multiple manufacturing facilities, remote access can be indispensable. Some Apparel ERP software are designed with robust remote access features, while others may lack flexibility. Ensure the system you choose supports your mobile and remote access needs to maintain seamless operations and quick responsiveness.  

9. Determine Scalability and Customization Options

Another very important factor when selecting an ERP for the garment industry is ensuring it can be scaled and customized to meet your evolving needs. The system should be able to handle increased or decreased user traffic efficiently, adapting to your business’s growth or seasonal fluctuations. 

Customizability is equally important. The system should allow for easy adjustments based on your business requirements. As your business grows and changes, the ERP system must remain relevant and functional. For example, if you plan to vertically integrate a textile factory, it would be advantageous if your ERP provider also offered solutions tailored to the textile industry. 

A system that does not scale well will struggle to keep up with your expanding business, even if it’s used correctly. Similarly, a system that cannot be customized will quickly become outdated as your needs evolve. Ensuring your ERP garment system can scale and be customized will help future-proof your operations and maintain efficiency over time.  

10. Don’t Forget About Vendor Viability

Evaluate how long the vendor has been in business and whether they have an established user base. Investigate their financial health, customer service reputation, and track record with other customers to ensure the vendor will be reliable and available when you need them. 

Request a list of their customers and review how long these clients have been using the software and the number of users each client has. This will give you a sense of the company’s stability and reputation in the industry. 

Additionally, always take a demo of the software before making your decision. This allows you to experience the system firsthand and assess whether it meets your business needs. Ensuring the vendor’s viability will provide confidence that they will continue to support and update the software as your business grows.  

We hope this Garment ERP guide has provided you with a clearer understanding of how to select the right ERP solution for your garment factory. As with any digital transformation decision, thorough research and a comprehensive understanding of market options are crucial before making a purchase. 

We’ve covered the key points to consider, but if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Your journey towards a more efficient and productive garment factory starts with the right ERP system.