Lectra, a developer of integrated technology solutions for industries using soft materials like fabrics recently held a seminar for Bangladeshi suppliers of retail chain H&M in Dhaka. “The two-day event addressed today’s trends and market challenges, putting special emphasis on the importance of working collaboratively across the supply chain,” a Lectra press release informed. Lectra experts demonstrated how synchronising technology and process between brands and manufacturers can ensure a long-term, sustainable working relationship that is more efficient and profitable. More than 100 people from 51 different companies attended the seminar, which was held at the Dhaka headquarters of the Swedish apparel retailer. The goal was to provide local industry players with insight into the challenges and priorities of a global retailer like H&M, whose production outsourcing to Bangladesh has steadily increased in recent years. “This put attendees in a better position to make strategic business decisions that strengthen their position as a preferred supplier for the fashion retail chain over the long term,” Lectra said. H&M’s decision to upgrade to the latest version of Lectra’s product development solution Modaris across its worldwide install base was the main catalyst for the event. Lectra experts took seminar participants through different scenarios that demonstrated the advantages of supporting product-development processes with technology that is aligned between retailers and suppliers. “When retailers and suppliers use different technology, the potential for information loss increases every time data is transferred from one party to another,” Judy Gnaedig, strategic account manager, Lectra said. “Working on the same technology not only improves productivity by eliminating redundant tasks, it also ensures that data remains intact and accurate throughout the product development process,” she added. “This protects product quality and fit, which is a tremendous competitive advantage,” Gnaedig observed. Lectra develops specialised software and cutting systems and provides associated services to a broad array of markets including fashion and automotive segments. Lectra serves 23,000 customers in more than 100 countries with 1,500 employees and reported 2014 revenues of $281 million.
