Fashion

UK’s Coats Digital boosts Odlo’s productivity by 10% with GSDCost

UK-based digital solutions company Coats Digital has announced that Odlo Romania SRL, which is the fashion manufacturing arm of leading sportswear brand, Odlo International AG, has reduced the time it takes to produce its core styles by 13 per cent, resulting in a productivity increase of 10 per cent since its adoption of GSDCost in July 2021.

Odlo has subsequently increased its profit margins; greatly improved on-time deliveries; enhanced team member motivation and earning potential; and been able to confidently take on significantly more new order requests as a result of the GSDCost implementation, according to a joint press release by Odlo and Coats Digital.

Founded in Norway, Odlo offers performance sportswear across six categories: functional sports underwear, outdoor performance, running, cycling, activewear and Nordic disciplines. The inventor of performance sports underwear and the three-layer principle, Odlo boasts a 70-year heritage, an annual turnover of $28 million and a strong commitment to innovation, and social and environmental sustainability. Its ambassadors include Swiss-Ski (Nordic), Federation Fran?aise de Ski (Nordic), Ski Association of Slovenia (Nordic), Norwegian Biathlon Association, Japan Biathlon Federation, and the Scott-Sram MTB Racing Team, among many others. The company’s manufacturing arm, Odlo Romania SRL, based in Romania, produces over 2.4 million pieces a year and supports a workforce of just under 500.

Prior to implementing Coats Digital’s GSDCost solution, Odlo based its cost and capacity forecasts on inaccurate historical data stored in multiple Excel spreadsheets which were difficult to update in real-time across all costing, capacity planning, and manufacturing teams. As a result of inaccurate standard minute values (SMVs) regarding CM (Cost to Make) production times, and poor costing and planning visibility, Odlo occasionally failed to meet on time delivery targets, which meant steep additional overhead costs and customer complaints due to the often-last-minute realisation that there was a lack of actual capacity available on the production floor. Conversely, without accurate capacity planning and costing data, Odlo also found itself turning business orders away unnecessarily, when in fact it had sufficient capacity to easily fulfil new order requests.

“Without a scientifically proven method to assess production goals or realistic Standard-Minute-Values to inform our costing and capacity plans, we were consistently challenged by a series of unexpected capacity issues. Not only did we sometimes experience higher production costs and late deliveries due to buffered SMVs, but we occasionally also turned business away, as we incorrectly estimated that resources were not available to meet requirements in time. Coats Digital’s GSDCost is the only solution that provides scientifically assessed code generation analyses for various production tasks, and it was the obvious choice to ensure we could achieve rigorous, consistent data insights that would ultimately make a significant impact to our efficiency and profitability,” said Sampath De Silva, administrator, Odlo Romania SRL.

Shortly after the adoption of GSDCost, Odlo undertook a rigorous GSDCost training programme so that relevant teams could gain a good theoretical understanding of GSDCost motion codes and standard core style sequences. The on-site training and practical session helped to foster greater team buy-in to the change management programme required internally to get the project fully embedded across all relevant departments.

“Coats Digital’s expert trainers effectively demonstrated method engineering techniques practically at the shop floor level and our teams quickly understood the key principles by observing the actual motions in play. We have subsequently proven that GSDCost is not only a robust software tool, but also a valuable method engineering tool that can make a real difference to our business,” commented De Silva.

Following the implementation of GSDCost, Odlo was able to establish international standard time benchmarks based on standard motion codes and predetermined times. This enabled the sales, costing, planning, and manufacturing teams to communicate efficiently using the same language, based on a scientific method for correctly analysing manufacturing costs.

As a result, business units can now confidently and fairly negotiate product prices with customers, and a more succinct single view of overall CM costs has enabled Odlo to reduce its SMVs on core styles by 13 per cent and increase overall production efficiencies by 10 per cent.

“GSDCost has enabled us to efficiently establish accurate SMVs based on method engineering which has meant that we have significantly reduced our SMVs on core styles by 13 per cent and improved overall productivity by a whopping 10 per cent. This has not only saved us significant production costs, but also enabled us to confidently take on more new business based on realistic, yet competitive product costings,” stated De Silva.

Since the adoption of GSDCost, Odlo has additionally been able to introduce a popular productivity bonus system based on accurate CM measurements, which has helped build team members’ confidence in achieving realisable productivity goals that increase their earning potential.

“GSDCost has not only enhanced the communication and overall relationship between management and team workers, it has also motivated team members to greatly increase their earning capacity, through our Productivity Bonus Scheme, which is ultimately underpinned by sensible achievement targets,” added De Silva.

Coats Digital’s GSDCost method analysis and pre-determined times solution is widely acknowledged as the de-facto international standard across the sewn products industry. The solution supports a more collaborative, transparent, and sustainable supply chain, in which brands and manufacturers establish and optimise ‘International Standard Time Benchmarks’ using standard motion codes and predetermined times. This use of a common language and standards supports accurate cost prediction, fact-based negotiation, and a more efficient garment manufacturing process, while concurrently delivering on CSR commitments.

GSDCost’s enhanced feature of a globalised Fair Wage Tool–with data provided by the Fair Wage Network–enables brands and manufacturers to quickly agree the fair living wage allowance for any given garment, in any factory in the world, added the release.

“We are delighted that Odlo has achieved such amazing results since its adoption of GSDCost. The pressure on the textile and apparel industry to quickly produce more complex style orders in shorter runs, yet consistently offer competitive pricing, is intense. Only those that establish lean and smarter manufacturing processes via robust digitisation programmes will be able to meet the expectations of a more demanding consumer, and Odlo has done just that by improving capacity planning, costing processes, manufacturing efficiencies, and ODTP to make it an agile and highly competitive business that’s ready for tomorrow,” said Harry Champaneri, senior consultant, Coats Digital.

The key benefits and ROI for Odlo Romania SRL are reduction in SMVs of 13 per cent; increased productivity by 10 per cent, improved profit margin at product costing; enhanced communication between management and team members; increased team members’ earning capacity with realistic productivity bonus system; improved ODTP; ability to deal with complex orders; and fact-based stable manufacturing costs.

Coats Digital, based in the United Kingdom, announced that Odlo Romania SRL, the production side of Odlo International AG, has made a 13 percent reduction in the time needed to make its main clothing lines and has increased productivity by 10 percent since utilizing GSDCost in July 2021.

Fashion

India-China trade falls 0.9% in H1 2023; 1st signs of slowdown in year

Bilateral trade between China and India showed the first signs of slowing down in years, falling by 0.9 per cent in the first half (H1) this year.

China’s exports to India in H1 2023 were worth $56.53 billion compared to $57.51 billion during the same period last year–a decline of 0.9 per cent, according to Chinese customs data.

India’s exports to China during the same period totalled $9.49 billion compared to $9.57 billion during the same period last year.

India-China trade touched an all-time high of $135.98 billion last year, overtaking the $125 billion mark a year earlier by registering an 8.4 per cent rise.

The Asian giant’s trade deficit in H1 2023 declined significantly to $47.04 compared to $67.08 billion during H1 last year. The trade deficit reached $101.02 billion in 2022, up by 45 per cent from $69.38 billion in 2021.

China’s total trade in H1 this year fell by nearly 5 per cent from a year earlier in dollar terms. While exports slipped 3.2 per cent, imports declined by 6.7 per cent.

Its exports fell by 12.4 per cent year on year in June this year amid weakening demand following rising interest rates by central banks to curb inflation, a news agency reported.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

The trade between China and India displayed the first indications of a sluggish progression in recent years, diminishing by 0.9% in the first six months of this year. China’s exports to India decreased from $57.51 billion in the first half of 2022 to $56.53 billion in the same period of 2023. Meanwhile, India’s exports to China decreased from $9.57 billion to $9.49 billion.

Fashion

Asia-Pacific expected to contribute 70% to global growth in 2023: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted a downturn in global growth to 2.8 per cent in 2023 from 3.4 per cent in 2022, with over 70 per cent expected to come from the Asia-Pacific region. High-frequency indicators show manufacturing weakness contrasting with resilient services across G20 countries and robust labour markets in advanced economies. Meanwhile, financial instabilities revealed by strict monetary policy need careful handling.

Though global headline inflation appears to have peaked and core inflation has somewhat eased, particularly in India, it remains significantly above central banks’ targets in many G20 countries. Policymakers have been warned against premature celebrations, as easing policy too soon could undo progress on inflation, according to an IMF blog titled ‘Weak Global Economy, High Inflation, and Rising Fragmentation Demand Strong G20 Action’ by Kristalina Georgieva.

Against this backdrop, a persistent monetary policy approach is needed until inflation is reliably reduced to target. Fiscal policy also has a role to play in supporting disinflation, rebuilding buffers, and enhancing debt sustainability. Meanwhile, consolidation efforts should protect growth-boosting investments wherever possible.

However, the medium-term economic outlook is not promising, with IMF projections for global growth over this period hovering around 3 per cent, considerably below the 2000-2019 historical average of 3.8 per cent. Economic fragmentation risks undermining growth and addressing global challenges, such as rising sovereign debt crises and the existential threat of climate change.

Significant progress has been made, as evidenced by the breakthrough on Zambia’s debt restructuring, a testament to international collaboration. The G20 also recently announced reaching its $100 billion target in special drawing rights (SDRs) pledges, which will be directed from wealthier to poorer nations, demonstrating international solidarity.

Despite these achievements, more support is required to confront the challenges. Climate change, high living costs, and high interest rates are causing disproportionate hardships, pushing more countries towards debt distress and threatening developmental prospects. Therefore, strong multilateral institutions, like the World Bank and the IMF, are crucial in providing this support.

As we face a fresh set of transitions, the IMF pledges to continue to adapt and respond with agility through timely policy changes and stronger resources. Prioritising a quick and successful completion of the 16th quota review and replenishing the IMF’s concessional resources for vulnerable nations are fundamental steps towards ensuring a robust global finance safety net, added the blog.

Strong leadership from the G20 is required to guarantee an international financial architecture that is fit for purpose. A global response of a scale commensurate with the world’s challenges is paramount to ensure all nations are placed back on a sustainable path to growth and prosperity.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)

The International Monetary Fund anticipates a decrease in worldwide economic expansion to reach 2.8 percent by 2023, largely thanks to outcomes in the Asia-Pacific region. G20 countries are displaying a strong service sector and labor markets despite adversity in the manufacturing sector. Given the current economic ambiguities, working together globally is essential, such as Zambia’s accomplishment in dealing with their debt and the G20 alliance agreeing to donate $100 bn in Special Drawing Rights.

Fashion

Euro area & EU’s industrial production sees modest rise in May 2023

Euro area and European Union’s (EU) industrial production saw a modest increase in May 2023, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU. Euro area saw a seasonally adjusted rise of 0.2 per cent, while the EU observed a 0.1 per cent increase compared with April 2023. The previous month saw more significant growth, with industrial production increasing by 1 per cent in the euro area and 0.6 per cent in the EU.

However, when compared to the previous year, industrial production declined in May 2023, dropping by 2.2 per cent in the euro area and 1.8 per cent in the EU.

Breaking down these figures by category, the euro area experienced a growth in the production of intermediate and durable consumer goods by 0.5 per cent, and non-durable consumer goods by 0.3 per cent. However, there was a 1.1 per cent decrease in energy production. Similar trends were observed in the EU, with energy production seeing the largest decline at 1.8 per cent, as per Eurostat.

Among the member states, Slovenia recorded the highest monthly increase in industrial production at 7.9 per cent, followed by Croatia at 4.3 per cent, and Slovakia and Finland, both at 2.5 per cent. Conversely, Ireland saw the most significant decrease at 4.9 per cent, with Lithuania declining by 2.8 per cent, and Romania and Belgium both recording a 1.2 per cent drop.

On a year-on-year basis, energy production in the euro area and the EU fell by 6.2 per cent and 7.5 per cent respectively. Durable consumer goods saw a decrease in production as well, with the euro area and EU recording drops of 5.0 per cent and 6.4 per cent respectively.

Finally, among member states, Ireland registered the largest annual decrease in industrial production at 16.2 per cent, followed by Estonia at 12.8 per cent and Bulgaria at 11 per cent. In contrast, Malta, Denmark, and France witnessed the highest increases at 12.2 per cent, 7.8 per cent, and 2.9 per cent respectively.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)

Eurostat reported that in May 2023, industrial production shifted up slightly in the euro region and the entire EU, in comparison to the reached result in April. Year over year, industrial output decreased by 2.2% in the euro zone and by 1.8% in the European Union. The largest reduction was seen in energy production. Slovenia, Croatia, and Malta saw the greatest expansion among the participating countries.

Fashion

UK announces up to ?25 mn in funding to back economic growth in ASEAN

UK foreign secretary James Spencer Cleverly recently announced up to ?25 million in funding to support economic growth of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and reduce their poverty, by bringing UK expertise in trade, regulation and financial services to the region over the next five years.

He was visiting Jakarta to meet ASEAN partners to advance cooperation on the shared priorities of security, stability and prosperity.

Total UK-ASEAN trade in goods and services was worth ?46.5 billion at the end of 2022.

Later this month, the United Kingdom will begin its formal accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), further strengthening British trade and investment links in the region, an official release said.

“The UK and ASEAN are working together to deliver the Plan of Action 2022 to 2026 to improve lives across the region, such as ensuring girls across southeast Asia can access quality education. This is in addition to UK work in the wider Indo-Pacific, such as the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia programme, which is upgrading homes and infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change,” Cleverly said ahead of the visit.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

80 million in aid money for the Rohingya people in Bangladesh

UK foreign secretary James Spencer Cleverly declared that around ?80 million will be contributed to the Rohingya people in Bangladesh as aid. A sum of 25 million dollars will be invested over the next five years to facilitate the development of ASEAN countries through trade, regulation and financial assistance, resulting in economic growth and the alleviation of poverty. The UK will initiate its membership of the CPTPP at the end of this month, further developing its connections with the area.

Fashion

Swiss firm EMS’ net sales at CHF 1,183 mn in H1 FY23

Swiss-based EMS Group, a leading firm in high performance polymers and specialty chemicals, has reported net sales of Swiss franc (CHF) 1,183 million in the first half (H1) of fiscal 2023 (FY23), 7.9 per cent down from CHF 1,284 million the previous year. This represented a 1.9 per cent decrease in local currency terms.

The net operating income (EBIT) in H1 FY23 was CHF 280 million, compared to CHF 324 million during the same period the previous year, the company said in a press release.

Despite these setbacks, due to its robust positioning in the specialty segment and decisive actions, EMS succeeded in maintaining an EBITDA margin of 25.9 per cent, though lower than the previous year’s 27.5 per cent.

The company’s H1 FY23 EBIT margin reached 23.7 per cent, compared to 25.2 per cent the previous year. The operating cash flow (EBITDA) came to CHF 306 million, a drop from the previous year’s figure of CHF 354 million.

EMS forecasts net sales and net operating income (EBIT) for the entirety of 2023 to fall below the previous year’s levels.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)

For the first six months of FY23, EMS Group saw a decrease in net sales and operating income, indicating figures of CHF 1,183 million and CHF 280 million, respectively. Despite sales dropping and forex issues, the EBITDA margin was a notable 25.9%. The company anticipates that their sales and earnings before interest and taxes for the financial year of 2023 will be lower than they were in 2022.