How AI is rewiring the fashion supply chain
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AI and technology are revolutionising sourcing
As companies grapple with complex supply chains impacted by GEOPOLITICAL factors not least the terror of TRUMP TARIFFS - agility and openness to new strategies supported by super fast technologies will be GAME CHANGING
Using a combination of technology and strong relationships will be vital to managing the uncertainty now and the strategic need to have sustainability at your core
The fashion industry is rightly under pressure to reduce its environmental impacts
This requires accurate data and the technology to both record and react
Transformative technology is switching sourcing from routine tasks to high value strategic decision making
The use of AI in sourcing is highlighting how leaders are
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GAINING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
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MITIGATING RISKS
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DRIVING INNOVATION
AI- will revolutionise supply chains
Demand forecasting - leveraging historical sales data.
Social media trends and external factors to provide more accurate demand forecasting - WILL REDUCE RISK. - on over-production and waste
Supply Chain visibility
Block Chain - traceability , transparency and product authenticity
Whilst Blockchain can support as a key benefit to transaparency - it is expensive and costly on the energy it requires - this is evolving
Blockchain technology alone cannot solve all the transparency issues in the fashion industry. Other solutions, such as stronger regulations, need to be implemented in conjunction to create a more transparent and responsible industry.
Inventory management
Quality control - both reduce waste and also costs - so will in the long term add to profit margins
Ethical supply chain management - AI Can audit and monitor supply chain partners for compliance with ethical practices and sustainability
Global collaboration- AI Facilitation on real time language translation and data analysis
Technologies like
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3D printing
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Digital pattern cutting
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AI design tools
are helping fashion brands to reduce wastage and effectively use resources
TECHNOLOGICAL INVENTIONS - Will support the need to source differently
ORGANIC FABRICS
BIODEGRADABLE FABRICS
RECYCLED FABRICS
FABRICS GROWN BY MATERIAL SCIENCE
from Mushrooms to Mirum - the first 100%plastic free alternative to leather
There are alternatives appearing all the time
initially in the premium market due to cost - they are now stretching beyond this with cellulose being used by H&M and spreading beyond to other volume brands
Technology and AI - Can drive efficiencies to cut waste and use transparency in the supply chain to support less over- production and a way to drive more from resale
Those companies with deeper pockets will find it easier to make rapid progress but the whole of the fashion world - notably fast fashion must benefit from AI and tenchology advances to cut the environmental impact - and do better