Technology Demands Grow South of the Border
Central America is an important manufacturing resource for U.S. apparel brands and importers, but the region has been an underdog compared to Asian sources.
Now, companies south of the border hope to close the gap with the help of technology.
Guatemalan manufacturing giant Koramsa recently made a big commitment by investing in a full information technology package provided by St. Paul, Minn.–based Lawson Software.
Koramsa, which makes blue jeans for Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap Inc., Target and Kohl’s, will employ Lawson’s QuickStep Fashion, a preconfigured ERP (enterprise resource planning) package designed to streamline its supply chain and increase visibility across its networks.
Because it is pre-configured, the implementation process is quicker, which was important for Koramsa.
“We needed a solution that will get us up-and-running quickly with the flexibility and functionality to scale with us as we grow,” said Koramsa President Carlos Arias in a statement.
In addition to QuickStep Fashion, Koramsa is planning to implement Lawson Business Intelligence, which provides organization-wide reporting and analysis via role-based dashboards, delivering information to workers at all levels. The aim is to help them make better and faster decisions to improve corporate performance, said Lawson’s Bob McKee, industry strategy director.
Koramsa will also use other applications that are part of Lawson’s M3 fashion applications, including Supply Chain Planner and Multi-Site planner, designed to give the company greater control over its supply chain and improved visibility across the organization.
In addition, Koramsa will use Lawson M3 Enterprise Mobility to streamline and automate warehouse and receiving transactions, while the recently introduced Lawson Learning Accelerator will help the company simplify and speed the process of employee training. Learning Accelerator provides realistic, role-based simulation training, coupled with valid measurement and assessment of learners’ progress and proficiency with the Lawson applications.
The company will use the recently released Lawson M3 7.1 Technology as the platform for its Lawson enterprise applications.
Nano-Tex Names New Sales Exec
Veteran retail executive Bob Moran has joined Oakland, Calif.–based Nano-Tex Inc. as its new senior vice president of U.S. sales.
Moran will lead the company’s domestic sales initiatives in the apparel, commercial and residential interior sectors. Nano- Tex provides nanotechnology-based fabric treatments, creating stain-and water-resistant properties.
Moran previously worked for Mulburry Neckwear, which held licenses for brands such as Kenneth Cole and Ben Sherman.
Gerber Expands in Vietnam
Tolland, Conn.–based Gerber Technology has bought out Schmidt Vietnam Co. Ltd., its agent and distributor in Hanoi, Vietnam. Going forward, Gerber will operate the unit as a company-owned enterprise. Schmidt’s staff will work under Gerber.
Company officials said it will also open a second office in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), where it will have a technology center displaying all of Gerber’s CAD and development software as well as cutters and spreaders.
Another service center is being planned in Da Nang.
AIMS and Focal Tech Join Forces
Los Angeles–based software provider AIMS (Apparel Information Management System) has partnered with Beverly Hills–based Focal Technology Solutions to expand its product and service offerings, now available over the Internet.
The partnership allows AIMS to offer e-commerce, Website design, QuickBooks Integration and business applications, which can all be integrated with AIMS’ order-management and inventory-management software.
“Several years ago, we implemented a strategy of innovative, easy-to-use integrations to link AIMS with other quality companies that serve the apparel industry,” explained AIMS President Henry Cherner. “Through this partnership with Focal Technology, we now offer Web-site development, wholesale Web integration [WebLink] and an online retail shopping cart [EasyShop].”
WebLink offers real-time inventory management and order processing for wholesale customers and sales reps. EasyShop offers online shopping for retail customers.
Focal Technology and AIMS will host a Microsoft technology showcase featuring the latest in Microsoft products as well as offerings from Focal Tech and AIMS on June 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The New Mart in Los Angeles. Register at www.AIMStsi.com/mstruck.
PAD Moves Software Development to Asia
Apparel CAD systems provider PAD System Technologies has shifted its software development from Montreal to Hong Kong through its Asian distributor, Modular Computer System Ltd.
Modular in turn acquired the rights to PAD’s software and will take over research and development. Company officials said the move will accelerate development and does not compromise customer support.
PAD’s U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles will continue to distribute PAD’s pattern-making, grading and marking software as well as other design products under GCL Distribution, an affiliate of LaSalle College Group, PAD’s holding company.
Tech Award for Irvine Company
The Return Exchange, a software company based in Irvine, Calif., won the “Innovative Software” award for its Return Rewards technology. The award was given at the AeA’s 14th annual High-Tech Innovation Awards, held May 10 in Newport Beach, Calif.
The Return Rewards software system generates customized coupons that encourage consumer loyalty.
AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association), is the largest high-tech trade association in the United States. It received more than 125 nominations for the awards and recognized 18 companies and individuals.
