More accurate forecasting data can significantly improve margins and efficiency, ultimately reducing waste. So says OC&C.

The use of such technology can serve in tackling overproduction in the apparel industry. Buying more in line with customer demand can increase contribution margins by one to three percentage points per product category. Additionally, a reduction in overproduction by five per cent to 15 percent can represent a three percent reduction in carbon emissions.

Use of technologies such as artificial intelligence, says OC&C allows brands to refine their collections in keeping with consumer demand, while also enabling them to operate more efficiently. So, evolving planning and buying to be more demand-led is a practical first step, enabling significant margins to be gained, and unnecessary waste and CO2 emissions to be reduced.

The industry’s trend landscape has become increasingly more complex, driven by consumers that engage and transact across multiple physical and digital platforms, changing the way in which demand is determined. So, says the strategy consultant, planning needs to be in real-time, in consideration of shortened, more frequent buying windows, while still allowing better management of waste.

OC&C speaks and works with fashion brands that are under significant pressure as the complexity of business models continues to increase, cost inflation rises, and there is a need to operate more sustainably.