China: IT tools help boost competitive edge for apparel companies
Write:
Geary [2011-05-20]
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays an integral role in developing countries in the current era. It improves business practices and aids them to increase their competence.
It also plays a major role in shifting values along the value chain, enabling new business models, disaggregating production chains, and creating new opportunities for developing countries in the global supply chain.
But, technology alone does not give all solutions for the problems of garment makers in developing countries. A suitable business environment, adequate infrastructure, and indeed a fundamental comparative advantage are also required.
ICT can open up parts of the supply chain (other than basic manufacturing and processing) to developing countries. It helps the companies to gather higher-value activities such as design and logistics, or to access niche markets.
It also plays a crucial role in adopting a strategy of moving into fashion design and specialized fabrics or raw materials, or alternatively identifying niche markets that do not demand large-scale production.