shimano
Brand

How Shimano Streamlined Apparel Development with WFX PLM

Challenges they faced

When Shimano shifted apparel development from Japan to Europe, they faced significant challenges in maintaining global data consistency and complying with complex regulatory requirements. The decentralized nature of data management, previously handled through Excel, led to data errors, inefficiencies, and miscommunications.

Additionally, meeting stringent international labeling standards was particularly labor-intensive, as care labels had to be translated into 23 languages manually. Without a real-time collaboration tool, coordinating product information across multiple regions also became increasingly challenging, highlighting the need for a centralized, scalable system.

Evert-Jan-Haarhuis

WFX has transformed our apparel development process, centralized all our data and saved us significant time. The virtual showroom and automated care label generation have been particularly game-changing for our global team.

Evert-Jan Haarhuis, Manager Product Development & Custom Clothing, Shimano

Impact after implementing WFX

  • Centralized Product Data: All product development data is consolidated into a single platform, allowing real-time access and synchronization across regions.
  • Efficient Label Compliance: An automated care label tool now generates compliant labels in 23 languages, reducing manual tasks and ensuring regulatory adherence.
  • Global Access: WFX’s fully web-based interface allows seamless accessibility without the need for dedicated on-site servers, enabling global operations without IT constraints.
  • Virtual Showroom: Shimano’s team can share new collections with global stakeholders through WFX’s virtual showroom, improving product visibility and engagement even before final imagery is available.
  • Cost-Efficiency: WFX’s affordable setup and feature-rich interface made it a more fitting choice for Shimano’s smaller team, with minimal resources required for maintenance.

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About the Company

Shimano, a Japanese multinational company founded in 1921, is widely recognized for its high-quality cycling components, including wheels, brakes, and shifting systems. With a workforce of over 5,000 employees, Shimano serves markets globally, producing a diverse range of products for the cycling industry. The company’s apparel development team, located in Shimano’s European office, manages the entire process of creating cycling apparel lines for global distribution.

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