Let’s face it, the days of running fashion collections without tracking a single detail are long gone. Today, data is everywhere, in your samples, in your supply chain, in your inbox. And whether it feels empowering or overwhelming probably depends on how you’re set up to handle it. This article is here to help you cut through the noise. Because while it might seem like “just another request for info,” good data isn’t just about compliance. It’s a business tool, a competitive edge, and your best ally in a world where everyone, from key accounts to end customers, wants to know more.
If you've been in fashion for a while, you know the game has changed. There was a time when you could simply call up a supplier, order 100 tees, receive them, sell out, repeat. No product data, no supplier traceability, no certifications, just business as usual. It was a simpler time, sure. But not necessarily a better one. Since then, the industry has gone through a total shift. and let’s be honest, for some teams, that shift has been harder to zip up than a stiff raw denim. But here’s the good part: we’re moving in the right direction.
Today, we’re working in a way that’s way more data-driven, and that’s not just because of compliance. It means we’re no longer relying on guesswork. We can trace what’s in our products, know where they came from, and make confident calls based on real information. It also means we can back up our choices, whether we’re talking to suppliers, key accounts, or end customers who actually want to know what they’re paying for. So while yes, it’s more complex, it’s also more powerful. And the more we lean into the data, the more value we get out of it, for design, for sourcing, and for building a brand that’s ready for what’s next.
We get it, the word data still makes some eyes glaze over. But the truth is, data isn't just something you're collecting because you have to. If you use it right, it's something you want to. Let’s start with the obvious: yes, data helps you stay compliant. But that’s just the baseline. The real value starts to show when you treat your data as a business asset, not a box to tick.
When you’ve got solid data across your styles, you’re not guessing anymore. You're making decisions based on what’s actually happening. Maybe it’s spotting which materials perform best across seasons, tracking which trims hold up under wear, or simply knowing what to reorder with confidence. Better data leads to smarter design choices, more efficient buying, and fewer production hiccups down the line. That’s not just good for compliance , that’s just good business.
And then there’s the competitive edge. Being data-ready doesn’t just help you internally, it helps you stand out. If you know your numbers, if you can back up your story with actual traceability, or if you’re faster at quoting accurate lead times because your setup is clear, you’ve got a real edge. The kind that doesn’t just help you stay in the game, but actually puts you ahead.
In fashion, they’re the big players, for example Boozt, Zalando, and About You, the platforms that stock your products and bring them to customers across multiple markets. But here’s the deal: those markets come with different rules. Different packaging requirements, different labeling expectations, different data requests. And that means your key accounts need to have their paperwork in order, not just for their own sake, but because they’re carrying your products. So naturally, they’ll come knocking on your door for that data. And if you’re not ready to hand it over? Or can’t show progress season after season? There’s a risk they’ll start looking elsewhere. Because when they’ve got hundreds of brands to choose from, working with the ones who are data-ready just makes life easier for them.
But it’s not just the retailers asking questions. The customers are too. They want to know where things are made, what they’re made from, how long they’ll last, and they’re getting smarter about it. Whether it's through Netflix documentaries, social media, or label literacy, people are paying attention. And if the answer to “What’s this made of?” is a vague shrug or a generic line about “quality materials”, they’ll notice. And chances are, they’ll move on.
Let’s be honest. Collecting, storing, and managing large amounts of product data isn’t something you just knock out in one season. It takes structure, planning, and the right setup to make it work without burning out your team.
That’s where your tech stack steps in. With a central solution you don’t have to chase spreadsheets, dig through email threads, or ask your supplier for the same data three times. When your data lives in one place, and your systems are connected, the information flows where it needs to go, when it needs to go there. This is what we mean by having a single source of truth. It’s about building your product data directly into the workflow, so you can access it later without backtracking or second guessing. And when your PLM talks to your ERP, your compliance tools, your impact calculators, that’s when things start running smooth.
Because no matter what part of the value chain you’re in, someone is going to ask you for data. Whether it's your key account, a government authority, or a curious customer. The real question is: Do you want to spend your time digging for it, or simply have it ready?
Every month, we host a webinar, often in collaboration with our IT solution partners and leading industry brands. The topics vary, but one thing remains the same: we aim to make the fashion industry’s challenges more manageable and share our take on practical, hands-on solutions.
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