INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PORTFOLIO IN THE TEXTILE APPAREL CHAIN

It is widely recognised in the literature that Information Technology is a critical factor in the textile apparel chain. This paper seeks to offer a contribution to help understand both the applications and the problem areas of the IT portfolio within the textile apprel industry in the light of the key competitive factors for the chain. The study reported here has sought to identify users' requirements and perceptions and their awareness particularly of three fundamental processes: design, production planning and order cycle, and process control. The study is based on data and opinions gathered by the authors from 38 Italian firms seected from among those in the forefront of IT adoption. It has been found that quality improvement and lead time reduction are the key competitive factors for all the actors within the chain. Current use, shortcomings, possible future users of IT differ in relation to the three processes considered and to the chain phase. However, IT systems are commonly seen as the bases to achieve greater integration between the operations of different firms active in this sector.