Fashion’s Cloud PLM Software Enters Its Intelligence Era

Just Style

Cloud-based Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software experts reveal how new technological advances and functionalities can improve a fashion brand’s competitiveness.

LM and cloud-based software is undergoing a significant transformation, Centric Software’s chief technology officer Ravi Rangan tells Just Style. 

Computer Generated Solutions, Inc. (CGS)’s BlueCherry PLM product manager Perry Bonney agrees, adding the major focus this year is on “greater intelligence, flexibility and connectivity”. 

He notes: “Cloud-first strategies are quickly becoming the industry standard, allowing brands and manufacturers to scale their operations efficiently while improving cost management and collaboration across global supply chains.” 

Fashion PLM and cloud software’s 2025 advances  

Lectra’s president of the Americas Leonard Marano says “a fully integrated web-native platform” has the benefit of being “highly configurable, lighter to implement, and easier to connect with other enterprise systems via APIs” compared to an on-premise solution migrated over to the cloud. 

He explains cloud-based platforms “provide the level of visibility required to take action on the production floor when adjustments are needed to achieve greater levels of efficiency”.  

Infor’s industry and solution strategy senior director for fashion and retail Ana Friedlander is quick to add AI-driven automation into the mix. She explains PLM and cloud software is being revolutionised by AI, real-time data collaboration, and enhanced sustainability insights during development. 

Cloud-based PLM solutions are leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms to streamline product design, predict market trends, optimise material usage and reduce waste and development cycles. 

Plus, she says it provides seamless integration with IoT devices to enable real-time monitoring of production processes, which improves supply chain visibility and responsiveness. 

Sustainability has become a central focus for fashion brands which is why cloud platforms are incorporating traceability features that can track a product’s environmental footprint from raw materials to end-of-life. She notes this ensures compliance with evolving regulations. 

What’s driving PLM and cloud-based software forward?  

Several factors are driving these technological changes. First, the need for faster innovation is pushing companies toward digital transformation. Bonney explains: “With shorter product lifecycles and higher consumer expectations, brands need to accelerate development without compromising quality or ethical sourcing”. 

He admits the demand for secure, automated platforms is growing due to the increasing scarcity of skilled and experienced product designers and developers in the sector: “By automating routine tasks and streamlining workflows, these platforms enable creative teams to focus on innovation rather than administrative complexities”  

Rangan points out the comfort level for adopting cloud-based software has dramatically increased, particularly in North America, parts of Europe and Asia where enterprises now view cloud solutions as a necessity. However, he says a hybrid model still exists in some regions. 

Tariffs remain a hot topic for fashion sourcing executives and PLM and cloud-based software advances mean the sector can respond to changeable tariff plans and the need for diversified production locations. 

Marano highlights: “Greater flexibility, speed, and data integration across the entire fashion supply chain is a key driver”. 

Plus, the fashion supply chain requires “agile, cloud-based solutions that can reduce manual data entry, enhance strategic decision-making, and allow for rapid adaptation to market shifts.” 

Bonney agrees, citing the “increasing complexity of global supply chains” as making “real-time collaboration a must-have”. He adds “cloud-based PLM solutions provide the scalability and flexibility for brands to coordinate across multiple regions, suppliers, and manufacturing partners efficiently”. 

Friedlander points out stricter ethical sourcing and environmental impact regulations have played a key role in the changes being made to PLM and cloud-based software: “Modern PLM platforms now offer advanced traceability and compliance tools, ensuring brands meet sustainability standards while strengthening consumer trust.”  

Benefits for the wider fashion supply chain 

Bonney shares three clear ways that innovations in PLM and cloud technology are already delivering tangible results across the fashion supply chain: 

1. Enhanced collaboration: Real-time data sharing across global teams reduces miscommunication and accelerates product development timelines 

2. Improved supply chain visibility: Advanced tracking and monitoring capabilities ensure compliance with sustainability and quality standards 

3. Cost reduction: AI-powered analytics help brands forecast demand more accurately, optimise inventory management, and minimise waste. 

   
   

Together, he says: “These advancements are driving a more resilient, transparent, and cost-efficient supply chain.” 

Click here to continue reading...

This article was published in Just Style April 16, 2025. CGS, Inc., Centric Software, and Lectra are members of SPESA.

SPESA members are encouraged to email news and releases to marie@spesa.org or maggie@spesa.org to be featured under Member Spotlights.