Latest news with #PaulMagel
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Cracking The Code On ESG Challenges For Fashion Supply Chains
Paul F. Magel | President, CGS | Leads global software & cloud co. CGS and its BlueCherry® digital supply chain platform for fashion brands. getty Today's fashion and apparel brands—from global icons to mid-size businesses—are under more pressure than ever to meet increasingly tough environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements. Consumers are demanding greater transparency, investors expect accountability and regulators are getting tighter on their compliance measures than ever before. The bottom line is that sustainability is no longer optional. Here's the thing, though—ESG isn't just about compliance and added complexity. It's a massive opportunity. The very same digital supply chain strategies that help companies mitigate ESG risks can also unlock powerful, data-driven insights that can sharpen their competitive edge and drive growth through a much more resilient supply chain—one that's better prepared to absorb the impacts of tariff shifts or other global disruptions. Supply chain visibility is no longer just a luxury. A single misstep, whether an environmental violation or a labor rights issue, can spiral into a full-blown reputational crisis. However, many brands still struggle to track materials, labor practices and environmental impact across their complex global networks. Why? Because traditional supply chains were never designed with transparency in mind. Data sits in silos, fragmented across different systems, making it difficult for brands to get the full picture. Without real-time insights, businesses risk compliance failures, financial penalties and a loss of consumer trust. These insights also help ensure success for the oldest adage in the book—delivering the right product at the right price at the right time! ESG's Biggest Hurdle: The Data Gap ESG compliance is all about the data. And for too many brands, that data is ... a mess. Regulations are evolving fast, demanding detailed reporting across the entire supply chain. Still, many companies continue relying on outdated, manual processes to track sustainability metrics across a disconnected supply chain. This results in incomplete, inconsistent and unreliable ESG and operational data that puts compliance and brand reputation at risk. Data silos are another roadblock. When product details are stored separately from sustainability metrics, companies can't generate accurate, holistic reports. Without a clear view of their supply chain, brands are flying blind and unable to identify risks (or prove compliance) when it matters most. Digital transformation is a key solution for ESG compliance. A robust, connected digital supply chain can enable brands to collect, analyze and report ESG data in real time while eliminating unnecessary guesswork and enhancing transparency. Here's how supply chain digital transformation is helping fashion and apparel brands crack the ESG code: Real-Time Tracking Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and AI-driven analytics can provide end-to-end supply chain visibility, allowing companies to monitor material origins, labor practices and environmental impact at every stage. For example, fashion retailer C&A Modas implemented an AI-infused platform to optimize its inventory processes—from planning to shipping—enhancing visibility and efficiency across its supply chain. Automated Compliance Management Digital audit trails, supplier self-assessments and AI-based risk assessments can help brands stay ahead of regulatory requirements while minimizing human error. Data Unification Cloud-based platforms can help consolidate ESG data from multiple sources, making reporting faster, easier and more accurate. Predictive Analytics AI-powered tools can forecast potential ESG risks—financial or reputational—before they escalate into crises. For instance, BlueCherry's Planning AI (which is part of my company's applications solutions division), developed in collaboration with FirstShift, integrates AI-driven demand sensing and predictive analytics to help fashion brands anticipate disruptions, optimize inventory and proactively address ESG-related challenges. Future-Proofing ESG: A Smarter Approach With ESG regulations constantly evolving, brands must take a proactive approach to compliance. That means: • Aligning with global reporting standards. Frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) provide solid benchmarks for ESG transparency. • Investing in adaptable, modular systems. A flexible digital infrastructure helps ensure brands can scale and adjust to new requirements without overhauling their entire tech stack. • Strengthening supply chain collaboration. Engaging suppliers at all levels—and leveraging digital tools to simplify data collection—drives consistency, efficiency and trust. The Bottom Line: ESG As A Strategic Advantage Instead of viewing ESG compliance as a burden, brands should embrace it as a strategic advantage. Digital supply chain strategies don't just help businesses meet regulatory demands—they drive operational efficiency, strengthen consumer trust and support long-term growth. The future of fashion supply chains is digital, transparent and sustainable. To get started: Understand the role of supply chain platforms. Before investing in a supply chain platform, organizations should first conduct an internal audit to assess where their data gaps and operational bottlenecks lie. Cross-functional conversations between supply chain, compliance, IT and sustainability teams are key to aligning on business goals and defining what success looks like. It's also important to evaluate existing infrastructure, as some systems may already contain valuable data that just needs to be unified. One common pitfall is underestimating change management, so having a clear roadmap and executive buy-in from the outset can dramatically improve outcomes. Begin a data governance strategy. This will help ensure the data you collect can be aggregated and contextualized in a meaningful way. Start by designating a cross-functional data governance team that includes representation from the supply chain, IT, compliance and sustainability. This group should establish clear ownership of ESG data, define data quality standards and align on how data will be collected, verified and reported. Investing in tools that support metadata management and audit trails can also help ensure traceability and accountability. One key to success: Avoid trying to boil the ocean. Instead, begin with your highest-risk areas and scale from there as your governance framework matures. Companies that act now won't just be keeping up with ESG requirements—they can lead the industry forward and build the resilient supply chain required for today's turbulent times. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Associated Press
17-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
iFabric Corp Announces Strategic Investment in BlueCherry ERP System to Accelerate Growth and Realize Operational Efficiencies
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 17, 2025 / iFabric Corp (TSE:IFA) is pleased to announce its selection of the cutting-edge BlueCherry ® Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system from Computer Generated Solutions, Inc. (CGS). This strategic investment of CAD $500,000 over two years, will cover a one-time license fee as well as the full implementation of the system, which is targeted to be fully operational by the end of 2025. The BlueCherry ERP system comes equipped with advanced AI features that are set to significantly enhance iFabric's operational efficiency, particularly in inventory management. This system will streamline business processes, improve data visibility, and provide robust decision-making tools to support the company's continuing growth. 'We are excited to invest in BlueCherry, which we believe will be an invaluable asset to iFabric as we continue our impressive growth trajectory,' said Hylton Karon, Group President and CEO of iFabric Corp. 'The advanced AI capabilities of this system, combined with its comprehensive inventory management features, will enable us to better manage our operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive further innovation within our business. We look forward to the full implementation by the end of 2025 and the positive impact this system will have on our ability to scale revenues rapidly and effectively. The purchase of the BlueCherry ERP software solution aligns with iFabric Corp's strategic goals to continue expanding and enhancing its technological infrastructure, providing a solid foundation for future growth,' concluded Hylton Karon. 'iFabric is committed to innovation beyond boundaries. Likewise, BlueCherry is dedicated to giving our clients supply-chain visibility and control beyond boundaries. With our ERP solution, iFabric will be even better positioned to fuel their innovation and drive growth,' said Paul Magel, President, Business Applications and Technology Outsourcing Division at CGS. 'We're grateful and proud to count iFabric within the BlueCherry community.' For more information about iFabric Corp and its initiatives, please visit About iFabric Corp. iFabric Corp (TSE: IFA) is a leading Canadian company that specializes in the design, development, and marketing of innovative solutions for the apparel and healthcare industries. IFA's annual revenues are now approaching C$ 30 million, with further sales and earnings growth targeted from its international slate of customers. The company's growth is fueled by its commitment to technological innovation and its ability to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the market. About BlueCherry BlueCherry is the leading enterprise-grade software suite designed to meet the unique needs of the fashion industry. Offering a comprehensive digital supply chain management solution, BlueCherry empowers brands with real-time, end-to-end supply chain visibility to drive fundamental business processes. BlueCherry's unified platform leverages the latest digital technologies to streamline workflows, from planning and product development to manufacturing and sales. For more information, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn. About CGS For more than 40 years, CGS has enabled global enterprises, regional companies, and government agencies to drive breakthrough performance through business applications, enterprise learning and outsourcing services. CGS is wholly focused on creating comprehensive solutions that meet clients' complex, multi-dimensional needs, and support clients' most fundamental business activities. Headquartered in New York City, CGS has offices across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. For more information, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Forward-looking statements provide an opinion as to the effect of certain events and trends on the business. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward looking statements. The use of any words such as 'anticipate', 'continue', 'plans', 'estimate', 'expect', 'may', 'will', 'project', 'should', 'believe' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the extent and impact of health pandemic outbreaks on our business; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; the actual results of the Company's future operations; competition; changes in legislation affecting the Company; the ability to obtain and maintain required permits and approvals, the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company's annual information form dated April 1, 2024 and other filings with the Canadian securities regulators available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements as the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements if known or unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors affect the Company's business, or if the Company's estimates or assumptions prove inaccurate. Therefore, the Company cannot provide any assurance that forward-looking statements will materialize. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Any financial outlook or future oriented financial information in this news release, as defined by applicable securities legislation, has been approved by management of iFabric. Such financial outlook or future oriented financial information is provided for the purpose of providing information about management's reasonable expectations as to the anticipated results of its proposed business activities. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason except as required by applicable securities laws. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION please contact: Hylton Karon, President and CEO Tel: 905.752.0566 ext 201 Hilton Price, CFO
