First Tactical's New Approach to Product Development with Centric PLM
Leading functional apparel and gear brand to transform operations and enhance collaboration with Centric PLM
First Tactical, a distinguished brand known for its functional apparel and gear tailored for first responders, is on a mission to revolutionize its product development process by implementing Centric PLM™. This strategic move aims to meet the growing demand for their purpose-built gear, which is essential for professionals in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical services.
Addressing Product Development Challenges
Headquartered in Modesto, California, and boasting a decade of experience in the sector, First Tactical has always been clear about its mission: to develop specialized gear that empowers those serving on the front lines. Their product line is characterized by rigorous field testing and a focus on enhancing capability, mobility, and confidence among users. However, managing the complexity of product development has presented significant challenges for the small team.
As the brand's offerings expand, the intricacies of their product specifications become more pronounced. These specs are often tied to customer uniform policies and government contracts, with testing cycles stretching up to two years. The vast range of sizes—from 28 to 74—combined with various inseam options, results in intricate bill of materials (BOM) matrices. To complicate matters further, relying on spreadsheets and email communications has hindered efficiency, leading to difficulties in version control and a lack of visibility.
The Call for Change
Merrick Vernon, the Director of Technical Design at First Tactical, expressed the pressing need for a more streamlined process: "We are a small product development team of three, and handling outdated spreadsheets from as far back as 2014 adds unnecessary burden. We simply can’t keep up." In response to these operational hurdles, Vernon identified the need for a unified source of truth to facilitate more collaborative and efficient product development.
Through careful evaluation, it became evident that implementing a product lifecycle management (PLM) solution was essential before considering expanding the team. “We aimed to consolidate our product data into one accessible location, which is where Centric PLM stood out,” noted Vernon.
Why Centric PLM?
First Tactical settled on Centric PLM due to its powerful out-of-the-box features that promise robust workflow alignment, effective calendar tools, and scalability tailored to evolving needs. The initial deployment will focus on the product development and technical design teams, paving the way for accelerated timelines and enhanced efficiency thanks to centralized data management and automated workflows.
"Currently, I spend a considerable part of my day monitoring project statuses. Having a dedicated workload tracker will revolutionize how we communicate updates, particularly to our President," Vernon added. The crux of the benefit lies in ensuring that vendors receive the most recent and accurate tech packs, minimizing the bottlenecks that have previously hampered progress.
Streamlined Vendor Management
In addition to improving internal processes, First Tactical plans to utilize Centric PLM’s vendor portal. This will allow vendors to directly upload measurements, track samples, and manage costs efficiently. "This functionality is crucial for us, as it eliminates the extensive time spent searching for costing data spread across multiple spreadsheets," Vernon explained.
Another significant advantage that Centric PLM offers is the ability to streamline rigorous testing procedures. According to Vernon, testing requirements evolve annually, necessitating frequent updates to care and warning labels. The reliability and security provided by the PLM system will significantly enhance this aspect of product development.
Excitement Around Advanced Features
One feature that the team is particularly eager about is Centric PLM’s calendar management module. With numerous individuals accessing shared drives, version control often becomes chaotic and tracking progress can be difficult. The hope is that Centric PLM will serve as a unified platform for visibility and project tracking, creating a more organized workflow.
Fabrice Canonge, CEO of Centric Software, stated, "We are excited to welcome First Tactical to the Centric family. Our PLM solution is designed to empower them to enhance their product development processes and create innovative, safe gear for our critical first responders."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Centric PLM?
Centric PLM is a product lifecycle management solution designed to support the planning, development, and management of products across various industries, including apparel and gear manufacturing.
Why did First Tactical choose Centric PLM?
First Tactical selected Centric PLM for its robust features that enhance workflow management, improve collaboration, and provide centralized data visibility, addressing the complexities of their product development process.
How will Centric PLM impact First Tactical's operations?
Centric PLM is expected to significantly shorten product development timelines, improve efficiency, and enhance communication with vendors, leading to better overall product management.
What challenges did First Tactical face before implementing PLM?
The company struggled with managing complex product specifications, inefficient manual processes, and limited visibility across teams, which hampered productivity and collaboration.
What benefits does First Tactical anticipate from using Centric PLM?
They expect improved workflow tracking, accurate tech packs for vendors, and streamlined vendor management, ultimately leading to faster product delivery and enhanced customer satisfaction.
