From Runway To Real Time: How Industry 4.0 Is Reshaping Fashion

Forbes

5 days ago

Paul F. Magel | President, CGS | Leads global software & cloud co. CGS and its BlueCherry® digital supply chain platform for fashion brands.
There's a lot of conversation in the market about Industry 4.0: some helpful, some hype.
For fashion and apparel brands, the reality is pretty straightforward. If your Industry 4.0 journey hasn't yet begun, it's important to consider how this approach can work into your organizational strategy.
The days of disconnected systems, manual data handoffs and "gut feel" planning are over. Supply chains are under pressure—from inflation, tariff volatility and rising expectations around speed, sustainability and transparency.
Industry 4.0 isn't about futuristic factories. It's about having the right technology infrastructure in place today to keep your business running tomorrow.
Understanding What Industry 4.0 Is
Industry 4.0 is not a single technology or platform. Think of it more like a mindset shift: from reactive to proactive, from siloed to connected. At its core, Industry 4.0 is about leveraging:
• IoT-enabled shop floors that capture live production data
• Smart factories that automate routine tasks and self-correct in real time
• AI and analytics that turn data into actionable decisions, from demand forecasting and inventory optimization to real-time production insights
• Integrated systems that connect ERP, PLM, inventory and supplier networks
• Digital twins that simulate processes and improve planning
Critically, an integration strategy is a key part of this mindset shift. At BlueCherry, we've experienced firsthand that when technology like AI is thoughtfully integrated—whether through conversational interfaces or advanced reporting—it can significantly reduce manual workload and surface insights faster, especially in supply chain contexts where timing matters.
In the fashion and apparel world, these are becoming table stakes for staying competitive. Lead times are shorter, customer expectations are higher and disruptions—whether from geopolitical changes or shifting trade policies—are now the norm, not the exception.
Why This Matters Now
When it comes to supply chain planning, we work with brands every day who are navigating this transformation. What we've seen is consistent: those who invested early and strategically in digital infrastructure are more agile, more efficient and, frankly, more competitive.
Beyond identifying and fixing production issues in real time, these companies are often the ones that can adjust sourcing strategies based on tariff changes or material delays, improve forecasting using real demand signals rather than guesswork and track ESG compliance across the product lifecycle. Ultimately, this helps ensure new products get to market faster without compromising on quality .
Making The Shift To Industry 4.0
Getting started with Industry 4.0 doesn't have to mean a complete tech overhaul. But it does require commitment and clarity. Here's what we advise:
• Get your data in order. That means both the internal data within your four walls and the external data across your broader supply chain ecosystem. Unlocking this visibility requires not just technology but operational alignment and contractual cooperation with suppliers and partners.
• Invest in people. Technology is only as good as the people using it. Train your teams, not just on the tools, but on the new way of thinking.
• Measure the right things. Don't chase KPIs that look good on paper. Track what impacts performance—production uptime, lead time, sell-through rate and returns.
• Partner smart. Choose tech providers that know your industry and can grow with you.
• Build your case. Start capturing examples, even small wins, where automation, AI and sound processes are already delivering results. These real-world use cases help justify further investment, align stakeholders and create a clear roadmap for scaling Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Your Next Move
Industry 4.0 isn't a buzzword; it's a business opportunity hiding in plain sight. The brands that survive the next wave of disruption and thrive beyond it are the ones putting in the work now to digitize, integrate and future-proof their operations.
If you're not sure where to start, start by asking yourself: "If something breaks in our supply chain tomorrow, would we know in time to fix it? " If the answer is "maybe not," it may be time to begin mapping your Industry 4.0 strategy.
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