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The True Cost of Not Using an Integrated Platform: Why Inefficiencies Matter 

Updated: Nov 5

For many small to medium-sized fashion brands, managing multiple collections, coordinating suppliers, and staying on top of product data can feel like juggling a hundred things at once. Inefficiencies pile up, delays set in, and costs creep higher.

Skipping a Collection Management Platform or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system may seem cost-effective at first glance, but managing collections and suppliers without a centralised platform can end up costing fashion brands far more in the long run, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.


The Challenge: Outdated and Fragmented Tools in Managing Collections and Suppliers


Fashion brands often work with a network of suppliers across locations, each specialising in different materials, components, or stages of production. Keeping this web of information organised is challenging, especially with multiple collections. Here’s where things often go wrong:

  • Fragmented and Disorganised Communication: When communication is spread across emails, spreadsheets, and separate drives and platforms, it’s hard to keep everyone aligned, leading to missed updates and confusion.

  • Inconsistent Data Management: Without a single, organised system, teams often rely on outdated information, causing inconsistencies in product specifications and slowing down decision-making.

  • Manual, Time-Consuming Tasks: Teams spend valuable time on data entry, repetitive updates, and supplier coordination—tasks that take away from creative and strategic work.

  • Limited Visibility: A lack of centralised oversight means brands are often in the dark about production stages, making it difficult to respond to issues quickly.

  • Difficulty in Reporting and Decision-Making: Disorganised data leads to unreliable reports, which slows down decision-making and makes it harder for teams to assess performance accurately or identify areas for improvement.


For small to medium-sized brands, these issues can feel especially overwhelming as teams are often lean, and resources limited. But that’s exactly where a tailored solution comes in. Before we delve into how an integrated platform can help, let’s unpack the hidden costs of managing these challenges without one.


The Hidden Costs of Not Using an Integrated Platform


Increased Error Rates and Expensive Fixes: Disorganised data and fragmented communication create opportunities for mistakes in specifications, resulting in costly corrections, wasted materials, and delays that compromise launch timelines.

Rising Labour Costs from Administrative Burdens: Without automation, teams spend countless hours on routine tasks, driving up labour costs and diverting time away from strategic initiatives.

Waste from Unnecessary Sampling and Prototyping: Poorly communicated product details often lead to multiple sampling rounds, each of which adds to material costs and unnecessarily extends timelines.

Revenue Loss Due to Production Delays: With limited visibility, issues often go unnoticed until they cause production delays, resulting in missed market windows, unsold inventory, or the need for heavy discounting to clear stock.

Reduced Supplier Efficiency and Relationships: Inconsistent communication frustrates suppliers, leading to rushed production, higher fees, or strained relationships. Brands with streamlined processes enjoy smoother supplier interactions and more stable costs.

Missed Opportunities from Inaccurate Reporting: Disorganised data hampers reporting accuracy, making it harder for brands to make informed, timely decisions. Centralised data provides fast, reliable insights, allowing brands to pivot when needed and make proactive improvements.


The Solution: How Vestis Labs Transforms Collection Management & Development Process

Vestis Labs empowers brands to consolidate all their collection and supplier management needs into one accessible platform. Here’s how it tackles these pain points while delivering substantial cost savings:

  • Centralised Data Hub: Vestis Labs integrates all product, material, and supplier data into a single, secure hub, reducing the chance of errors and ensuring everyone works from the same information.

  • Automated Updates and Real-Time Visibility: The platform keeps all relevant stakeholders up-to-date with real-time changes, reducing manual tasks and freeing up time for your team to focus on what they do best.

  • Streamlined Communication and Supplier Coordination: With everything in one place, suppliers and team members alike are always informed, reducing the risk of costly last-minute changes and avoiding strain on valuable supplier relationships.

  • Cost-Effective Sampling and Prototyping: Transparent, accurate data sharing minimises errors and reduces the need for repeated sampling rounds, saving both time and materials.  Vestis Labs also offers an integrated 3D prototyping service to further reduce waste and development time.


Key Takeaway: Inefficiency Costs More Than a Subscription

There’s a misconception that only large enterprises benefit from such solution, but Vestis Labs debunks that myth. By consolidating essential functions into one affordable, easy-to-use platform, even smaller brands gain the competitive edge they need to thrive without overwhelming resources.


With Vestis Labs, streamlining collection management is straightforward, achievable, and effective at cutting unnecessary costs. Vestis Labs isn’t just a platform; it’s the backbone of a more efficient, resilient, and successful business.


Added Bonus: A Peek into Vestis Labs’ AI and Integration Capabilities

With Vestis Labs, streamlined management comes with extra perks. Our platform integrates AI-generated product descriptions that help designers and product developers create engaging product details—saving time while sparking creativity. Plus, with Shopify integration, your latest product data syncs automatically to your web store, keeping product listings accurate without manual updates.


These are just a few of the powerful tools Vestis Labs offers to simplify your workflow and keep your brand moving forward. Imagine the possibilities! Stay tuned as we dive deeper into these features and reveal how they can elevate your processes, inspire creativity, and transform the way you manage collections. Exciting things are ahead—don’t miss out! 

Contact us and try our solution for free. 


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