Information technology (IT) is a critical factor in textile apparel supply
chain management. This paper seeks to offer a contribution to help understand both the
applications and the problem areas of the IT portfolio within the textile apparel industry,
in the light of the key competitive factors for the chain. Adopting a perspective that takes
into account the whole textile apparel chain, the study reported here sought to identify
users’ requirements and perceptions and their awareness of three fundamental processes:
design; production planning and order cycle; and process control. The study was based
on data and opinions gathered by the authors from 38 Italian firms selected from among
those in the forefront of IT adoption. It was found that quality improvement and lead
time reduction are the key competitive factors for all the actors within the chain. Current
use, shortcomings and possible future uses of IT differ in relation to the three processes
considered and to the chain phase. However, IT systems are commonly seen as the means
through which greater integration between the operations of the different firms active in
this sector can be achieved.
