From PLM to Production with Datatex NOW
Connecting Product Development and Manufacturing
Successful product development depends on accurate product information. But too often, that information becomes disconnected as products move from development into manufacturing. Manual data entry, duplicate records, and disconnected systems cause delays. They raise the risk of errors. They also make it harder for teams to stay aligned.
Through Textile Solutions Group, DeSL PLM and Datatex NOW ERP work together. They create a continuous digital thread from product concept to production. Product information created during development flows seamlessly into manufacturing and business operations, helping organizations improve collaboration, increase visibility, and operate more efficiently.
What is Datatex NOW ERP?
Datatex NOW is an Enterprise Resource Planning solution built specifically for the textile and apparel industry. Backed by over 35 years of textile expertise, it manages the full manufacturing process, from fiber to finished product.
The platform supports production planning, inventory, purchasing, manufacturing, quality management, costing, finance, and business intelligence in a single environment. Available in the cloud or on premises, Datatex NOW provides real-time visibility across manufacturing operations while supporting modern Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Unlike general-purpose ERP systems, Datatex NOW centers on the unique processes of textile and apparel manufacturers.
Extending Product Development into Manufacturing
DeSL PLM serves as the single source of truth for product development. It helps brands manage collections, product specifications, Bills of Materials, Tech Packs, sourcing activities, supplier collaboration, and approvals throughout development.
As products move toward production, that trusted product data becomes even more valuable.
Before production begins, teams can launch development requests, manage prototypes, track lab dips, and validate materials throughout the development process. Once products are approved, the same trusted information flows seamlessly into Datatex NOW ERP for production planning and manufacturing.
Instead of recreating data or manually transferring information between systems, teams continue working from the same trusted product record throughout the entire lifecycle.
This creates a smoother transition from product development to production while reducing manual work and improving data accuracy.
One Connected Digital Workflow
DeSL PLM manages product development, serving as the single source of truth for collections, specifications, Tech Packs, Bills of Materials, sourcing, prototypes, lab dips, and supplier collaboration. It also captures sustainability and compliance data, ensuring products are fully developed and approved before production begins.
Datatex NOW ERP builds on that foundation by managing production planning, inventory, manufacturing, costing, finance, and order fulfillment. Rather than recreating product information, manufacturing teams work from the same trusted data established during development.
Together, DeSL PLM and Datatex NOW ERP create a connected digital workflow. It reduces manual data entry, improves collaboration, and keeps product information accurate from development to manufacturing.
Better Visibility Across the Business
Connecting PLM and ERP gives every department access to more accurate information.
Product development teams gain better visibility into manufacturing readiness. Sourcing teams can make purchasing decisions using approved product data. Manufacturing teams receive accurate specifications without re-entering information. Business leaders benefit from improved operational visibility, stronger forecasting, and better cost control.
Because everyone works from the same trusted information, organizations reduce duplicate data entry, improve collaboration, and make faster decisions across the business.
Supporting Digital Transformation and Digital Product Passports
Digital transformation is about more than implementing new software. Connecting processes so information flows efficiently across the organization.
By connecting DeSL PLM and Datatex NOW ERP, organizations can:
- Accelerate digital transformation initiatives
- Improve supply chain visibility
- Strengthen product traceability
- Build Digital Product Passport (DPP) readiness by governing product, supplier, and compliance data throughout the product lifecycle
- Connect product development, supplier, and manufacturing data into a single, traceable product record that supports evolving DPP and sustainability requirements
- Improve sustainability reporting
- Prepare trusted product data for AI-powered insights
- Improve collaboration across global operations
As Digital Product Passport regulations continue to evolve, organizations will need connected systems capable of managing trusted product data across the entire product lifecycle.
Building the Digital Backbone for Textiles
Within Textile Solutions Group, DeSL PLM manages product development while Datatex NOW ERP manages manufacturing and enterprise operations. Together, they create a connected digital backbone that links product creation with production.
Together, the two solutions help organizations build the trusted data foundation for Digital Product Passports. Product specifications, supplier information, manufacturing records, and compliance documentation are connected into a single, traceable product record that supports regulatory requirements, sustainability initiatives, and end-to-end visibility across the product lifecycle.
Additional Textile Solutions Group solutions extend this digital thread even further. Penelope CAD supports woven fabric design and development. SETEX MES manages real-time shop floor execution and improves manufacturing efficiency. Together, these solutions create a seamless workflow from design through production.
Bringing Product Development and Manufacturing Together
Disconnected systems create unnecessary complexity. Connected systems create better decisions.
By combining DeSL PLM with Datatex NOW ERP, brands and manufacturers can link product development to manufacturing. They can cut manual work, improve teamwork, and gain clearer business visibility.
As Digital Product Passport requirements and product traceability become increasingly important, connected PLM and ERP solutions provide the trusted foundation needed to support future compliance while improving operational performance.
The result is a continuous digital thread. It helps organizations speed time to market. It also improves operational efficiency. It builds a stronger foundation for long-term digital transformation.
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