Centric Launches PLM-Focused Blog

Centric Software, the Campbell, Calif.–based provider of PLM (product lifestyle management) and sourcing solutions for industries including fashion and consumer goods, has launched a blog to create a new form of communication with its customers.

Featuring polls, breaking news, product information and press clips, the blog allows Centric “to ’think out loud’ about the trends and issues facing those who are interested in PLM for apparel and fast-moving consumer-goods companies or those who are interested in product- and project-management technology,” a release from the company said.Centric hopes to get customers talking on its blog by posting questions and soliciting comments from visitors. “A blog site is a way for us to engage you, our audience, in a dialogue. We want to know what you think,” the statement said. “When you see a blog post that sparks your interest or if you’d like us to follow up on a particular point, let us know by posting a comment.”

Blogs are becoming increasingly popular among businesses looking to connect with customers in a more relaxed, immediate fashion. Many Fortune 500 companies—including Google, IBM, Procter & Gamble, Nike, Microsoft and Johnson & Johnson—maintain blogs.

Among apparel technology providers, there are also plenty of opportunities to interact online—or on a mobile phone.

Dassault Systegrave;mes has a blog called 3D Perspectives, where customers and visitors can leave comments or post questions. Lawson has online “Communities,” which are open to Lawson customers and partners to solve business problems and share best practices. BlueCherry also has user groups where customers can collaborate with the company and each other. CSC, makers of the Stealth 3000 ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, has a free mobile application for the iPhone and Android, where subscribers can get the latest news from the company.—Erin Barajas