The discussion focused on how fashion companies can become more precise, profitable, and sustainable through better use of data, technology, and operational discipline. Below are ten key insights that emerged from the conversation.
Key takeaways from the roundtable can be found below the gallery. More insights from the discussion will be featured in this week’s Scandinavian MIND podcast.
Key takeaways from the roundtable
1. Precision is becoming the industry’s new operating principle
Several brand leaders emphasised that success increasingly depends on producing and distributing with greater precision. Better decisions in assortment planning, buying, and allocation were described as critical to both profitability and sustainability.
2. Transformation starts with the business model
Some brands argued that technology decisions should follow business model design. Simplifying product ranges, reducing material complexity, and streamlining supply chains were described as the foundation for operational efficiency.
3. Profitability and sustainability are converging
Brand representatives highlighted that reducing overproduction, increasing full-price sell-through, and improving demand forecasting can simultaneously improve margins and reduce environmental impact.
4. ERP and infrastructure upgrades remain a major focus
Several companies described ongoing investments in ERP systems, logistics platforms, and distribution centres as necessary groundwork for future innovation and AI adoption.
5. Process change is harder than system change
Some brands testified that implementing new systems is only the first step. The larger challenge is getting teams to adopt new ways of working and align with standardised processes.
6. The upstream supply chain remains under-digitised
Technology providers argued that many companies have improved design and retail analytics, but supplier collaboration and inbound supply chain visibility still rely heavily on manual processes.
7. Data quality is becoming a strategic asset
Both brands and technology companies agreed that structured product data, traceability information, and operational data are becoming critical infrastructure for decision-making, regulatory compliance, and AI applications.
8. AI is being treated as a tool, not a strategy
Participants broadly agreed that AI can accelerate forecasting, design workflows, and operational decision-making, but only when built on strong processes and reliable data.
9. Marketing and product data are starting to merge
Some technology companies pointed out that AI-driven discovery and recommendation systems will require brands to produce richer product content and structured data that can be understood by machine learning models.
10. The biggest challenge remains organisational adoption
Several participants noted that the real transformation is cultural. Companies must enable employees to work with new tools, trust data-driven decisions, and collaborate across departments.
In collaboration with Centric Software, Impact.com, Nextail, Infor, Centra, and e-SCM.
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