Summary of "The TriNext Podcast - Decoding Apparel Logistics!"
Summary: The TriNext Podcast - Decoding Apparel Logistics
This episode focuses on the apparel industry’s supply chain challenges and innovations, emphasizing sustainability, circular fashion, logistics complexities, technology adoption, and workforce development. The discussion features:
- Jendra Sharstava (CEO, Triton Logics and Maritime)
- Ars Sbat Ragan (Head of Exim and Logistics, Raymond Lifestyle Limited)
- Tapas Vi PVN (VP Exim Commercials and Logistics, Arvind Limited)
Key Business Themes & Frameworks
Circular Fashion & Sustainability
- Apparel is a low-margin, labor-intensive industry facing pressure to balance cost competitiveness with sustainability.
- Sustainability efforts require a long-term vision beyond short-term ROI, especially as EU regulations tighten (e.g., digital product passports by 2027).
- Circular fashion involves:
- Sourcing sustainable raw materials (e.g., organic cotton)
- Sustainable manufacturing (water/energy efficiency)
- Sustainable packaging
- Greener logistics (e.g., CNG/electric trucks)
- Consumer awareness and responsible consumption are critical to drive demand for sustainable products.
- Key sustainability metrics:
- Recycling value target: 80%+ recycling efficiency (currently ~3-4 times recycled)
- Arvind sources 72% sustainable cotton; uses 37% sustainable energy (solar, biogas, wind)
- Raymond’s garmenting vertical achieves near zero water discharge and 90-99% energy savings
- Raymond’s ESG score: 69/100, indicating strong but developing sustainability performance
- Traceability and transparency across the supply chain, including upstream Scope 3 emissions, are essential but challenging.
- Blockchain and digital product passports are emerging tools for traceability but face adoption barriers (data privacy concerns).
- MSMEs and smaller suppliers require capacity building and government support to meet sustainability standards.
Made-to-Measure & Mass Customization Supply Chain
- Raymond operates an advanced made-to-measure model with 1600+ stores in the US, integrating real-time inventory and order consolidation.
- Supply chain innovations include:
- Complex sourcing of 30-45 components per garment from multiple countries
- Use of AI-enabled body measurement tools for precision cutting and minimal waste
- Automation in fabric dispensing and manufacturing prioritization (FIFO, color coding)
- Logistics innovation such as consolidated shipments and leveraging trade clauses (e.g., de minimis in US) to optimize costs
- Speed and quality are critical KPIs; typical lead time is 90 days from sourcing to shelf.
- The model blends mass production scale efficiencies with customization benefits.
Logistics Pain Points & Technology Needs
- Key pain points include:
- Lack of transparency and real-time track & trace, especially for LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments
- Thin vendor base and logistical constraints in certain geographies (e.g., Ethiopia)
- Fragmented trucking industry with small fleets limiting Scope 3 emissions monitoring
- Need for integrated technology platforms for seamless API connectivity among forwarders, CHAs, customs (e.g., Odex system), and internal ERP (SAP S4 HANA)
- Desired logistics partner attributes:
- Strong technology adoption
- Transparency in pricing and freight rates (hedging against volatility)
- Continuous engagement and performance reviews
- Government initiatives like ULIP (Unified Logistics Interface Platform) provide 147+ APIs and 2000+ data points to streamline customs, transport, and warehouse operations.
- ULIP enables:
- Faster truck verification at factories (from 10-15 minutes to ~2 minutes)
- Real-time tracking via FASTag data
- Visibility of empty container locations for cost optimization
- Upcoming platforms for freight rate transparency and vendor bidding
- Challenges remain around data sharing hesitancy and technology adoption lag in fragmented sectors.
Impact of E-commerce, Fast Fashion & Quick Commerce
- Quick commerce (10-minute delivery) is challenging for apparel due to fashion’s choice-driven nature and inventory complexity.
- E-commerce offers convenience but sustainability is impacted by reverse logistics and carbon footprint from frequent returns.
- Strategies include “black stores” (warehouses close to delivery points), though less applicable for fashion.
- Responsible consumerism and education are needed to reduce returns and waste.
Workforce Development & Industry Future
- Supply chain/logistics roles span multiple industries and offer broad career mobility.
- Industry increasingly requires skills in technology adoption, data analytics, and process automation.
- Attrition rates in apparel supply chain are high (~8% annually), impacting productivity and knowledge retention.
- Initiatives like Raymond University and Triton’s Try Academy focus on upskilling and mindset shifts for future readiness.
- Education in supply chain logistics must evolve beyond outdated curricula to include practical technology and real-world applications.
- CSR focus areas emphasized:
- Women empowerment (top priority for apparel industry)
- Environmental sustainability
- Employee career progression and wellness
Key Metrics & Targets
- Raymond ESG score: 69/100 (scale of 100)
- Arvind sustainable cotton sourcing: 72%
- Arvind sustainable energy use: 37%
- Energy savings in Raymond garmenting: 90-99%
- Apparel supply chain lead time: ~90 days
- Truck verification time reduction via ULIP APIs: from 10-15 minutes to ~2 minutes
- Apparel industry attrition rate: ~8% annually
Actionable Recommendations & Case Examples
For Apparel Companies
- Invest in sustainable sourcing and manufacturing as a long-term strategic imperative.
- Build traceability systems incorporating upstream supplier emissions.
- Embrace technology integration across logistics partners for end-to-end visibility.
- Develop made-to-measure and mass customization models with integrated supply chain coordination.
- Educate consumers to promote responsible purchasing and reduce returns.
- Collaborate with government platforms (ULIP) to leverage data and streamline operations.
- Focus on workforce development and reduce attrition through career progression programs.
For Logistics Providers
- Prioritize API integration with clients, customs, and other service providers.
- Provide transparent freight pricing and proactive communication.
- Engage in regular performance reviews and adapt services to evolving client needs.
- Support MSMEs in technology adoption and sustainability compliance.
For Educators & Policymakers
- Update curricula to include practical supply chain and logistics technology.
- Promote capacity building programs for MSMEs.
- Support infrastructure projects like dedicated freight corridors to reduce bottlenecks and carbon footprint.
Presenters / Sources
- Jendra Sharstava – CEO, Triton Logics and Maritime (Host)
- Ars Sbat Ragan – Head of Exim and Logistics, Raymond Lifestyle Limited
- Tapas Vi PVN – Vice President Exim Commercials and Logistics, Arvind Limited
- Jitinder Singh – Logistics service provider representative (forwarder)
This episode provides a comprehensive view of the apparel supply chain’s evolving landscape, highlighting sustainability as a strategic priority, technology as an enabler, and people development as essential for future success.
Category
Business
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