For decades, the fashion industry has been defined by its creativity, speed, and consistent innovation. Yet, behind the glamour and dynamism is a harsh reality: smaller fashion brands (SMEs) continue to face significant challenges in managing their operations efficiently. While large enterprises have adopted sophisticated Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems to streamline processes, SMEs remain stuck with disconnected tools and outdated methods—or what I call “Microsoft PDM.”
Microsoft PDM is the patchwork of tools like Excel, PowerPoint, email, PDFs, and shared folders that smaller brands rely on to manage their operations. This setup lacks integration, creates silos, and forces brands to work inefficiently across design, production, and supply chain functions. The result is wasted time, errors, and missed opportunities. The question is: Why, in 2025, are so many smaller fashion brands still stuck in this cycle? The answer lies in the limitations of the PLM market—and why we need affordable, agile solutions now more than ever.
The PLM Gap: Why Smaller Brands Are Left Behind
PLM solutions have long been heralded as game-changers for the fashion industry. These systems offer centralised, connected workflows that allow brands to manage the entire product lifecycle—from design and development to production and distribution. For larger companies, PLM has been particularly transformative, enabling them to increase speed to market, reduce errors, and enhance collaboration across global teams and suppliers.
However, for smaller fashion brands, PLM remains largely out of reach.
The first reason is due to high costs. The licensing fees for most traditional PLM systems are prohibitively expensive for SMEs. This is compounded by additional costs for external partners who also need access to the system. Linked to this is the fact that even if they have managed to afford a PLM solution, they are still challenged and held back from a full rollout due to the expensive expansion of both internal and external user licences. Implementing PLM is a complex process that requires investment in services and time. For smaller brands with limited resources, these implementation fees are simply unaffordable.
The next issue is around complexity. Many traditional PLM systems are designed for large enterprises with extensive needs and resources. These systems can be overly complex for smaller brands, leading to underutilisation and frustration.
Over the years, we’ve also seen plenty of promises about “Out of the Box” (OOTB) PLM solutions that can be implemented in weeks. In reality, these solutions often require extensive configurations, even customisation, with weeks turning into months or even years. SMEs can’t afford this kind of delay.
The result is a persistent gap in the PLM market. Smaller fashion brands, which often represent some of the most creative and innovative players in the industry, are left behind. Instead of focusing on innovation and growth, they are forced to waste time and resources managing disconnected tools and processes.
A Light at the End of the Tunnel: Next-Generation PLM Solutions
After 25 years of PLM in the fashion sector, the good news is that we are finally seeing progress. A new wave of AI-driven, next-generation PLM solutions is making the technology accessible to all businesses, beyond the established industry leaders that have traditionally benefited the most from these systems. These solutions are reshaping the landscape, offering smaller brands the efficiency and control they’ve long needed, at a price point that makes sense.
The impact is significant. Instead of forcing SMEs into rigid systems designed for multinational operations, these next generation platforms acknowledge the unique challenges to smaller businesses.
Principally, cost is less of a barrier than it once was. Emerging PLM providers are rethinking pricing models, offering scalable, subscription-based pricing that gives smaller brands greater flexibility. The steep upfront costs that once made PLM inaccessibly are now being replaced with more manageable, affordable models.
Beyond cost, generative AI is revolutionising the design and planning process. AI-driven prompts are being designer to dynamically generate new designs and Tech-Packs by leveraging model data from PLM libraries, enabling designers to create comprehensive, highly accurate packs with greater speed and efficiency.
Ease of implementation has also become a critical factor. Unlike their predecessors, today’s PLM solutions are delivering on the promise of Out of the Box Implementation. Data migration is smoother, integrations are more seamless, and the process that once took months can now be executed in a matter of weeks.
What’s more, these solutions prioritise simplicity without compromising scalability. They provide an intuitive experience that even the leanest teams, without extensive technical expertise, can easily navigate while seamlessly evolving alongside a growing business. As brands expand, their PLM systems adapt to meet their changing needs.
Additionally, collaboration has seen a dramatic shift. Once constrained by costly supplier licensing, modern PLM solutions have removed these financial barriers, enabling seamless, lower-cost supplier engagement. This is critical for smaller brands that depend on multi-tiered value chain suppliers.
Real-World Impact for Fashion SMEs
The shift to accessible PLM solutions is redefining what’s possible for smaller brands. Integrated workflows streamline operations, eliminate redundant data entry, and enable teams to move with more agility. With centralised data, accuracy improves, reducing errors and ensuring consistency across design, production, and logistics. The result? Fewer bottlenecks, faster execution, and a more seamless path from concept to consumer.
Speed to market is more critical than ever, the modern PLM systems help brands launch products faster while staying aligned with shifting trends. By reducing operational overhead, these tools allow creative teams to focus on innovation rather than repetitive administrative processes.
Perhaps most importantly, these advancements are making sophisticated operations more accessible. The efficiencies that were once exclusive to major fashion houses are now within reach for independent brands, giving them the tools to compete more effectively on their own terms.
A Call to Action for PLM Vendors
While the progress we’ve seen in recent years is encouraging, there is still work to be done. PLM vendors need to continue innovating with a stronger focus on the needs of smaller brands. Usability and collaboration remain essential, but the real priority now is delivery. Vendors have made strong commitment to affordability, scalability, and efficiency-now, those promises must translate into real, tangible value for brands.
Keep the Faith in What You Are Building
It’s an exciting time to witness this new chapter of next-generation entrepreneurs who recognise the immense opportunities that delivering affordable, AI-driven PLM solutions brings to the fashion SME sector.
For those leading this change, stay the course. Your work is enabling smaller fashion brands to break free from the constraints of “Microsoft PDM” and adopt a more connected, efficient, and collaborative approach to work.
The future is here, and it’s fuelled by AI-driven PLM solutions that unlock creativity, streamline processes, and level the playing field for all brands, regardless of size. This is more than just technology—it’s a movement toward a more inclusive, agile, and innovative fashion industry.
The shift is happening. Outdated, disconnected tools are being replaced by AI-driven, affordable PLM solutions that give all brands-big and small-the power to move faster and work smarter. For vendors, the challenge isn’t just to innovate, but to execute. The future of fashion belongs to those who build for it.
