Global Trading Systems, a leading developer and supplier of software solutions for the footwear industry, is pleased to announce a new version of the successful SoftShoe system customized to meet the intense needs of the dynamic fashion and style-oriented side of the industry. Branded as SoftShoe, Style Edition, GTS is now able to offer unprecedented simplicity, structure, discipline and predictability to the product development process at an affordable price.

SoftShoe Style is designed for footwear companies with one or more of the following characteristics:

• Small to mid-market

• Fashion oriented

• Limited resources managing a broad product range

• Large number of SKUs with little carryover season to season

• Policy of providing minimal product specifications, either due to the type of product or because of a close working relationship with agents or suppliers who handle technical details

• The need to respond quickly to market and fashion trends as well as customer requirements

• Limited technical resources

• Those looking to take incremental steps to adopting Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

Style’s Functionality

SoftShoe Style brings together in a single, integrated dashboard the ability to:

• Build a Line for the upcoming season

• Define Styles

• Add Colorways – define components

• Attach sketches/photos for each style

• Print Spec

• View Line Sheets

• Request Samples (Look and see, confirmation, Sales, etc.)

• Order Samples

• Receive and distribute Samples

• Monitor sample status on-line

• Track critical path dates in the development cycle

• Calculate cost quotes and calculate margin

• Track commercialization approvals

Features

• Internet-based

• Single executable can be e-mailed to Users.

• Intuitive screens

• Short implementation process

• Pre-configured for easy and quick installation

• SQL database

• Hosting by Global Trading Systems is available

Benefits

Ø  Organization: Standardizes product development processes and methods enterprise wide. Manage product range and design changes more effectively.

Ø  Knowledge: Provides a central repository of lines, styles, design specs, costs and margins, samples, development milestones and performance.  Everyone is on the same page in terms of product development …real-time.

Ø  Communication & Collaboration: Reduces e-mails, faxes and the use of spreadsheet software.

Ø  Technology: Provides a highly efficient infrastructure that supports design exchange, collaboration and management across a distributed environment of designers, merchandisers and overseas staff.

Ø Change Management: Improves change management with audit trails of product changes, cost quote history and approvals.

Ø  Performance Metrics: Built-in reports on status, exceptions, timeliness and performance.