JCPenney Gets PLM From PTC

Dallas-based JCPenney is investing in new PLM (product lifecycle management) software to help streamline its private-label business.

Needham, Mass.–based PTC is providing the system, called FlexPLM. PLM is the hottest category of software being adopted by manufacturers, retailers and importers. The aim is to reduce cycle times by storing all specs and product information in one central database accessible via the Internet to approved users. That allows JCPenney as well as its sources from around the world to be in-sync with each other during each step of pre-production.

JCPenney executives said they were looking for a scalable system to be used across multiple locations. FlexPLM can track milestones, pre-empt performance bottlenecks and provide instant visibility of product-development steps.

“It delivers a best-in-class technology with a proven track record of PLM success in the retail, footwear and apparel market,” said Jennifer Pritchard, director of cycle-time reduction for JCPenney.

Kathleen Mitford, PTC’s vice president of vertical-market strategy, said JCPenney and others are using PLM to carve out advantages to drive top-line revenue growth and increase operational and supply-chain efficiency.

For more information, visit www.ptc.com.

—Robert McAllister