Streetwear brand relies on database software to optimise key supply chain processes

Streetwear brand relies on database software to optimise key supply chain processes

International streetwear brand, Supremebeing, is using database software from FileMaker to connect and track the product lifecycle of its 400 clothing and footwear items and deliver suppliers with a real-time view of stock.

Founded in 1999 in a screen printing factory in Cambridge by four entrepreneurs, Supremebeing now designs and retails an expanding range for men and women.

Following rapid expansion, Supremebeing realised the need to source a solution that could support its product lifecycle and processes, from creative design through to production and stock ordering for suppliers.

Supremebeing began using FileMaker in 2005 to collate orders and process them through the warehouse. However FileMaker’s deep level of customisation means that, today, the database is used not only to create a simplified process for tracking stock in and out of Supremebeing, but also to support the company’s overall creative and supply chain.

Managing end-to-end supply chain process

Relies on database software from the early creative stages of product design through to production, and uses it as its stock ordering platform for its suppliers.

Supremebeing is using FileMaker to catalogue and plan the design of a new garment. The whole of the product lifecycle is logged and administered through the custom FileMaker database, with each of the office’s seven users able to access it and make updates to the process.

Moreover FileMaker’s PHP Assistant feature, together with the aid of developer Ditronic Software, means Ian Morrissey, head of logistics at Supremebeing, and his team have been able to craft a portal through which the company’s agents and distributors can log in and place orders against real-time stock updates and sale offers.

Freeing up core creative resource

Morrissey said: ”Since we introduced FileMaker we’ve been able to bring a lot of our essential processes much closer together. It helps with everything from design to distribution. That means we can spend more time developing our product range.

He added: “It’s made a number of our processes much slicker all round. With 400 items in the range every six months there is a lot of information flowing about the place. Keeping track of that is key to making each one of those items as good as it can be. For our agents it gives them a very quick way of getting product onto their shelves, so it’s great all round.”

As FileMaker is customisable to a near limitless degree it can scale with Supremebeing’s own growth and requirements. The retailer has begun using FileMaker Go, the database mobile solution recently launched, in a limited capacity.