Keith Fenner, managing director at Coats Digital, gives his insights on how digitalisation can play a key role in the textile and apparel industry going forward.
Fenner has been the managing director of Coats Digital since the brand launched back in 2019. He describes himself as a ‘digital immigrant’ and has previously held roles at Microsoft and Sage.
In this podcast, he talks about how this is the opportune time to adopt technology within the textile & apparel industry. Before the crisis, there were high levels of technical immaturity and key processes for visibility weren’t in place, which has led to inefficiency and disruption. However, moving forward, Fenner says that technology can save the industry. For example, planning tools can help understand consumer demand so that only what’s needed is made and sold. This should lead to better sales and is also a more sustainable practice.
Keith Fenner, managing director, Coats Digital
Additionally, he talks about what Coats Digital has to offer in terms of a set of solutions for dynamic planning, capacity control and real-time control for operations like fabric cutting. Fenner says that the company is probably the only vendour in the world that has this level of competence from left to right and will continue to work with partners to ensure complete connectivity.
He also provides some insight into the company at this time, saying that the three main things the brand is focusing on is looking after employees, customers and cash flow. He says he’s proud of how strong the business is in a crisis and how he’s encouraging people at all levels to voice new ideas.
And when this all blows over, Fenner says that he is looking forward to spending time with his family on the beach in Dubai.
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