Publication

Abstract : The Indian Apparel and garment industry witnessed an unprecedented business scenario due to the Covid-19 pandemic. To mitigate the crisis, manufacturers of apparel and garments in India have to improve resilience with an objective to attain preparedness for long-term business commitments in these challenging times. There are vital issues that need to be properly addressed in this regard. These include managing cash flows, cost control & cost reduction, adopting the latest IT/ITES tools, safe working conditions, efforts to establish a responsive & productive employee base, enhancing operational efficiency, etc., however, the 'Digital-First' mindset is the most sought option for building resilience in these covid-19 situations. The resilience in apparel and garment supply chains shall reflect enhanced service levels, reduction of lead times, and improved responsiveness. Going 'Digital' means responsive and efficient business operations across the supply chains. Manufacturers of apparel and garments, at this juncture, need to deliver to the customers with help of integration of emerging/latest technologies to ensure responsiveness and efficiencies in operations. Apparel and garments supply chains need to be revamped through process mapping and re-engineering to provide better service to the customers seamlessly with proper technology adoption. Also, there is a need for re-engineering of supply chains to be resilient in times of uncertainties, challenges, and unprecedented business environments like covid-19 situations. The present paper provides a framework for re-engineering apparel and garment supply chains to enable them to imbibe and embed emerging technologies to go 'digital' throughout the supply chains.