4 Whatitsworth Automates Production Model
Los Angeles–based apparel resource 4 Whatitsworth Inc. has automated its global production network. The maker of Tyte junior bottoms and Beau Dawson contemporarywear has implemented New Generation Computing Inc.’s e-SPS Web-based software, which gives its customers instant access to production details at the company’s six global production facilities.
The company can upload information to a central server, make it accessible to authorized users and translate it into a customer’s language of choice. This overcomes hurdles such as time differences and language barriers.
“It’s a cutting-edge step to grow in a way that makes sense for our customers,” said Alden Halpern, president and chief executive officer of 4 Whatitsworth. “By shifting towards a globalization of our operations, 4 Whatitsworth has been able to produce higher- quality goods with an impeccable pattern of timely deliveries––all at lower costs.”
4 Whatitsworth is projecting $60 million in sales for 2003, which is three times as much as its 2002 earnings. The company integrated its operations abroad in mid-2002 by forming strategic alliances with six production facilities throughout Asia and has since opened satellite offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong. In February, the company expanded its sourcing to include India, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Egypt, Jordan, Kenya and Columbia.
The collection is sold nationally at Macy’s, Gadzooks, Wet Seal, Charlotte Russe, Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Marshall Field’s stores. —Robert McAllister
