Global supply chain leader in apparel embarks on unified analytics strategy with Microsoft Fabric

The enterprise architecture and ERP solution at the company was organically grown over a period of 15 years and was not optimised to leverage the efficiencies of new business models in the apparel industry. While there was a complex solution ecosystem in place some key challenges included; limited integrations, and lack of a structured and unified approach for data which resulted in; more manual effort, slow response to market triggers, lower customer, supplier and employee satisfaction. Gaps in the enterprise data architecture caused operational teams to take on additional work, whilst limiting overall profitability.

Covid-19 in 2020 amplified these concerns, and Fortude was engaged to setup and lead an organisation-wide restructuring of the data strategy as part of the larger digital transformation project.

Over 13 business units were interviewed and information needs were reviewed together with SMEs, vendors and industry experts. Subsequently a 2-year analytics adoption plan was drawn up, with investments exceeding USD 3Mn for the first 2 years. Implementation and governance processes were setup to make sure the analytics adoption program delivers 2x benefits in the short term, with efficiency improvements in access to information needs.

The roadmap was a starting point for multiple analytics initiatives across the organisation, including building a central analytics team, comprehensive data architecture, change management, training, and integrated processes across value chains.

The company will leverage its unified analytics capabilities to further position itself as a global leader in providing inspired apparel solutions for top fashion brands.