(Source: Business Wire)Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a leading IT services, business solutions and outsourcing organization, today launched a comprehensive software offering for softlines, hardlines and footwear (SH&F) manufacturers and retailers based on the unified PLM architecture of Teamcenter® software.

Teamcenter for SH&F, co-developed by Siemens PLM Software and TCS, delivers a user-friendly solution that is ready to use "out-of-the-box" to help retailers and manufacturers increase speed-to-market and reduce costs by streamlining processes and workflow management; enhancing communication and collaboration; and increasing visibility on a global scale.

This next generation product set is based on Teamcenter 8 (see separate release), the latest release of Teamcenter, which focuses on individual, application and IT productivity. With Teamcenter as a single source of product and process knowledge, individuals and teams can be more productive around-the-clock and from anywhere in the world.

TCS' retail industry domain knowledge and solution development experience coupled with its system integration capabilities and channel relationships makes it an instrumental partner in the development of this solution. TCS' Engineering and Industrial Services business unit helps customers across the world focus on developing and bringing innovative and efficient products to market faster.

"Dynamic trends, short lifecycles, and economic pressures require fast fashion companies to pay close attention to their business processes and technology infrastructure. Responding to trends through complex global supply chains requires that today's leaders possess software that enables secure, real-time collaboration founded upon a single product data management infrastructure," said Will Duncan, VP of Industry Services at [TC]², an association that promotes effective technology adoption in the global apparel and footwear industry. "Siemens PLM Software and TCS understand the challenges faced by fast fashion companies and have delivered a comprehensive solution that will help our members ensure their new lines are on time to market and reflect current trends."

"Companies that produce hardlines, footwear, apparel and general softlines, whether they are manufacturers with broadly-offered brands or retailers with private brands, face the complex challenge of delivering the right styles to market at just the right time, and doing that many times per year," said Dan Staresinic, senior director, consumer products, retail and life sciences, Siemens PLM Software.