Coats Digital is happy to announce that C&A, a leading fashion retailer in Europe, has chosen to use its GSDCost solution to improve costing and capacity forecasts throughout its broad supplier network.

The GSDCost system will deliver precise costing and capacity predictions by establishing global standard time benchmarks based on Standard Minute Values (SMVs). With the help of this standardised methodology, vendor partners of C&A will be able to provide accurate Cost to Make quotations, promoting effective processes for producing clothing and negotiation based on facts. The adoption of a uniform language and set of standards throughout C&A's worldwide supply chain seeks to fulfil the company's CSR objectives while promoting sustainable growth.

With more than 1,300 locations throughout 17 European nations, C&A aspires to offer its consumers high-quality clothing at reasonable prices. As an ACT Group member that supports sustainability in the energy transition, C&A understood the importance of uniform costing and sourcing practises among its suppliers. Inconsistent Cost to Make estimates and a lack of openness about sustainable practises were caused by a lack of common practises. By implementing GSDCost, C&A hopes to increase supplier collaboration, increase transparency in its sourcing process, and meet its sustainability objectives.

The GSDCost method analysis and pre-determined timings solution from Coats Digital are widely acknowledged as an international standard in the sewn goods sector. By defining and improving International Standard Time Benchmarks utilising uniform motion codes and fixed times, it promotes cooperation, transparency, and sustainability in the supply chain. This uniform method makes it easier to anticipate costs accurately, conduct informed negotiations, and streamline the production of clothing. By introducing GSDCost, C&A hopes to improve vendor-brand interaction and collaboration, assuring a more open, connected, and successful business model while advancing sustainability and just working conditions.

Nitin Kumar, Lead Technical cost, C&A Sourcing Asia, said, “As a member of the ACT group, we are continuously improving our supply chain to be more transparent, responsible and sustainable. GSDCost can bring transparency to our sourcing process through a standardised time management methodology, and further support the sustainable growth together with our supply partners.”

The GSDCost method analysis and pre-determined timings solution from Coats Digital are widely regarded as the de facto global standard in the sewn goods sector. The approach promotes a supply chain that is more cooperative, transparent, and sustainable, in which manufacturers and brands develop and optimise "International Standard Time Benchmarks" utilising uniform motion codes and predetermined times. By using a consistent language and set of standards, it is possible to fulfil CSR commitments while facilitating fact-based negotiation, accurate cost forecast, and more effective garment manufacturing.

Liv Zhang, Sales Director (Greater China), Coats Digital, commented, “We are absolutely delighted to have partnered with C&A to introduce a scientific and objective method analysis process of costing and sourcing. GSDCost will enable the company to align Cost to Make data (CM) across its supply chain network, streamline cost negotiations, foster greater data sharing and improve business intelligence. By phasing in a ubiquitous, standardised language for establishing accurate benchmarks around production methods, production times and costs, C&A is effectively breaking down previously siloed walls of communication between the brand and its vendors so both can benefit from a more transparent, connected, and profitable way of doing business, whilst also ensuring – as well as evidence – sustainability and fair working practices. We look forward to working closely with C&A to ensure the seamless rollout of GSDCost across its supply chain partners and help it future-proof its operation to meet the increasingly complex demands of a more discerning consumer.”

Through the use of connected technologies, Coats Digital, the industry's top partner for digital transformation in the fashion supply chain, collaborates with manufacturers and brands to optimise key business procedures. Over 3,000 factories use its software and SaaS solutions to increase agility, speed to market, efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

As an international standard, GSDCost focuses on creating precise method-time-cost standards for the optimum cost-effective manufacturing of sustainable clothing. It supports CSR obligations in the fashion sector by enabling accurate cost projection, fact-based bargaining, and effective manufacturing processes through the use of a single language and standards.