UK’s DCK Group Shortens Product Lifecyle with WFX PLM

Challenges they faced

DCK faced several challenges with their previous system because the system they were using was “over 25 years old, manual, unattractive and had limited options.”

The internal system was developed over time and had disjointed functionalities, which made it difficult to manage product development efficiently. Moreover, the system did not link with their suppliers, leading to communication problems and forcing the buying and merchandising teams to either constantly update the system or manually find the latest information.

To address these issues, DCK Group began their hunt for a new system. They were looking for a more visual system that included pictures and allowed suppliers to log in directly. Additionally, they needed a system that would track the entire development process, from product designs to negotiations, rather than just starting from the point of raising a purchase order.

Impact after implementing WFX

• WFX’s visual interface has significantly increased efficiency and productivity for DCK's buying and merchandising teams. Working with product images has improved product development by providing clear visibility, boosting confidence in quantity allocations.
• WFX has increased overall productivity, allowing teams to dedicate more time to product-related discussions and development.
• Planning, previously done in isolation on spreadsheets, is now consolidated within one system, freeing up time for other essential tasks.
• Lengthy email exchanges between buying, merchandising teams, and suppliers have been eliminated, reducing confusion and miscommunication.
• WFX's direct supplier login portal has eliminated confusion and streamlined communication between buyers and suppliers.
• The time saved and efficiency gains from WFX have helped shorten product life cycles and accelerated time-to-market for DCK.