Pinehurst Manufacturing selects FastReactPlan to provide foundations for business growth

Martin Lowe, CFO of Pinehurst, said, “As part of a strategy to double the size of the business over the next 5 years, we are investing heavily in the latest embellishment technology, and in the systems and procedures that will provide us with fast access to accurate information and the ability to respond efficiently to market demands for increased flexibility, reduced lead times and exceptional delivery performance. A key priority is replacing the existing manual, disconnected methods of manufacturing planning with a system that will improve visibility, coordination, control and reduce costs.”

Coats Digital’s market-leading, highly visual, FastReactPlan planning and control solution, provides a single point of reference for all departments and supports fast, accurate and efficient planning by simultaneously and dynamically considering the three key planning criteria: capacity, pre-production critical path (time and action) and materials.

FastReactPlan is a modular solution, and the configuration for Pinehurst will include high-level apparel planning providing a control tower view of the business and the efficient management of demand and capacity across the two plants, with detailed line level planning of sewing and scheduling of supporting operations in Honduras and Nicaragua. The solution also includes integrated critical path management (with clear priorities and early warning of potential issues) and full materials requirements planning (MRP).

Gary Thompson, Commercial Director – Brands at Coats Digital, commented, “The relentless demand for increased flexibility and reduced lead times, including quick response and replenishment programs, represents a real opportunity for apparel manufacturers in Central America to leverage the advantage of their geographical proximity to the US market.

“In order to capitalise on this opportunity, manufacturers need to be able to produce fast, detailed and accurate plans which optimise delivery and efficiency. The reality for most business is that this is simply not possible with the existing largely manual methods and excel spreadsheets which are still so common in the industry. This is one of the key reasons why an increasing number of leading apparel manufacturers in the region are turning to Coats Digital’s FastReactPlan.”