Streamline Product Lifecycle Management
This case study highlights the successful integration of various systems with FlexPLM, a product lifecycle management (PLM) platform, to enhance efficiency and data management for a client. By leveraging Theodo's expertise in serverless architecture, fashion, and 3D modeling, a comprehensive solution was developed to integrate FlexPLM with other platforms, resulting in improved data accuracy, reduced manual entry, and enhanced collaboration.
Client Background
The client, a global apparel and footwear fortune 500 company, relied on FlexPLM as their primary PLM platform. FlexPLM served as the central repository for high-level product information, such as white models, last designs, line plans, colorways, and material specifications. However, FlexPLM lacked certain functionalities, such as storing 3D assets, supporting bulk data entry, and seamless integration with specialized platforms such as digital asset management or visual line planning.
Problem Statement
The client faced challenges in manually managing data across multiple platforms, leading to errors, duplication, and inefficiencies. Data related to materials, colors, and complex 3D models needed to be synchronized between FlexPLM and other systems. Theodo was tasked with developing integrations to automate data transfer, streamline processes, and enable the client to leverage specialized functionalities of other platforms.
This is where Theodo came in.
Theodo devised a serverless integration solution that bridged the gap between FlexPLM and other systems. The integration focused on the following key aspects:
Integration with Digital Asset Management Platform (DAM)
• Material and material color information from FlexPLM were automatically sent to a digital asset management platform.
• Users could upload digital assets, such as 3D renders, white models, and material scans, into the DAM for efficient storage and referencing.
• Theodo's integration allowed the seamless exchange of data between FlexPLM and DAM platform, ensuring accurate and up-to-date digital assets for design purposes.
Integration with Visual Line Planning Tool (VLP)
• Seasonal line planning information, product details, and colorway information from FlexPLM were transmitted to the VLP.
• Theodo's integration enabled the client to perform line planning activities in a dedicated visual line planning tool, enhancing the efficiency of the process.
• This integration facilitated a comprehensive view of product data and empowered the client to make informed decisions during line planning.
Bill of Materials Lifecycle Integration
• Theodo developed an integration flow to support the creation and management of bill of materials (BOM) in FlexPLM.
• Complex 3D asset models were dissected into component parts, including materials and colors, and sent back to FlexPLM.
• By utilizing the DAM’s material scans, white models, and part library, a comprehensive BOM was generated, providing accurate costing and sourcing information.
The integration of systems with FlexPLM delivered several key benefits to the client:
Improved Efficiency and Accuracy
• Manual data entry processes were eliminated, reducing the risk of errors and data mismatches.
• Automatic data synchronization ensured that accurate information was available across all integrated platforms.
• The streamlined workflows and standardized data formats enhanced operational efficiency and collaboration among teams.
Enhanced Product Lifecycle Management
• The integration empowered users to leverage specialized functionalities of the DAM and VLP tools, enabling efficient asset management and visual line planning.
• FlexPLM remained the source of truth for product data while leveraging the capabilities of other platforms to support various stages of the product lifecycle.
Scalability and Future Expansion
• The Serverless architecture employed by Theodo allowed for scalable and flexible integrations, accommodating future growth and evolving business needs.
• Theodo's expertise in building asynchronous integration patterns ensured that data was eventually delivered to the intended systems, even in case of temporary disruptions.
Additional Statistics on FlexPLM
• FlexPLM, while being a reliable source of product information and costing views, has limitations in terms of data processing, storing 3D assets, and supporting extensive data entry.
• Customization of FlexPLM is possible through the addition of API endpoints to facilitate data exchange with other systems.
• Theodo's proficiency in fashion, 3D modeling, and serverless architecture makes them an ideal partner for integrating complex 3D assets with the PLM lifecycle platform.
By seamlessly integrating FlexPLM with other platforms, Theodo enabled the client to achieve a more efficient and robust product lifecycle management process.
The serverless architecture, combined with Theodo's expertise, ensured accurate data synchronization, reduced manual efforts, and empowered the client to leverage specialized functionalities of various systems.
The success of this integration project exemplifies Theodo's commitment to delivering reliable and scalable solutions tailored to the unique needs of fashion and PLM industries.
