What works for a five-style drop rarely works for a fifty-style collection. As brands grow, fashion product development becomes harder to manage without clear systems in place.

Designers, developers, and sourcing teams need the same information at the same time, especially once vendors and production schedules come into play.

Product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions give fashion teams structure as collections scale.

They connect design details, tech packs, timelines, and vendor communication in one shared workspace, which reduces guesswork as products move toward production.

In this article, we break down why fashion brands rely on PLM today and highlight the best PLM solutions to consider in 2026.

TL;DR

These are the best PLM solutions fashion teams use in 2026:

1. Onbrand PLM

2. Centric PLM

3. Backbone PLM

4. WFX PLM

5. PTC FlexPLM

6. Aptean Apparel PLM

7. DeSL PLM

Why Fashion Brands Rely on PLM Solutions Today

PLM solutions help streamline product development by managing product information as styles move through design, development, and production. 

In the fashion industry, they serve as a shared workspace where tech packs, materials, timelines, and approvals stay connected across the entire product lifecycle.

Rather than relying on scattered files or manual updates, a PLM system supports day-to-day product work in one place. Here’s why fashion brands rely on PLM today:

Product Data Management Across Functions

PLM exists to keep product data management consistent as styles move from design into development and production.

Specs, materials, and updates live in one place, which reduces manual data entry and limits errors caused by disconnected files.

Teams work with up-to-date information at every stage, which helps protect data integrity as more people get involved.

Clear Version Control as Styles Move Forward

Once product data is centralized, version control becomes easier to manage.

A PLM platform tracks changes to tech packs, measurements, and approvals so everyone knows what’s current.

During the development phase, even small updates can affect samples, costing, and production planning, which makes clear tracking essential.

Stronger Vendor Collaboration and Communication

PLM supports clearer supplier collaboration by giving vendors access to the same specs and updates you see.

Shared access improves vendor relationship management and reduces back-and-forth during sampling and production.

When working with supply chain partners or contract manufacturers, this setup helps avoid confusion as styles move into the production process.

Faster Approvals Without Manual Follow-Ups

Approvals move faster when feedback, comments, and decisions stay tied to the product record.

PLM replaces scattered messages with structured workflows that support fashion project management and day-to-day operational processes.

Teams can review input, respond to internal customer feedback, and move work forward without delays.

More Consistent Quality and Production Readiness

Clear specs and tracked changes support better product quality and help deliver high-quality products that meet customer expectations as styles approach production.

PLM helps maintain quality management standards by keeping measurements, materials, and approvals aligned.

Fewer gaps during development support quality assurance checks, such as apparel inspection, before bulk production begins.

Better Visibility as Collections and Brands Scale

As collections grow, visibility becomes harder to maintain without clear systems. A cloud-based PLM reduces data silos and supports a more collaborative environment across design, development, and sourcing.

For growing brands, this visibility helps teams stay aligned as complexity increases.

7 Best PLM Solutions Fashion Brands Use in 2026

Choosing a PLM system depends on how your team works today, how much complexity you need to manage, and the customer needs you support across categories.

The list below highlights the best product lifecycle management solutions fashion teams use in 2026, with a look at where each tool fits within the product development process.

1. Onbrand PLM

Onbrand PLM is built for fashion brands that need clarity as collections scale. It replaces spreadsheets, static files, and disconnected tools with one shared workspace for managing tech packs, samples, timelines, and vendor communication.

Unlike legacy PLM systems, Onbrand focuses on usability and speed, which helps creative and production teams stay aligned as styles move from design to production.

Brands using Onbrand PLM often report measurable improvements early on.

Teams have shared outcomes, such as 55% faster tech pack creation, a four-week reduction in development timelines, and onboarding completed in as little as ten days, depending on data and workflow complexity.

Key Features

• Live tech packs - Specs, comments, and approvals stay connected to each style, so teams and vendors always work from the current record.

• Built-in project and timeline tracking - Tasks, stages, and timelines live alongside each style, giving you clear visibility without separate tools.

• Vendor collaboration - Vendors can access specs, leave comments, and respond to updates directly in the platform, reducing back-and-forth on email or messaging apps.

• Centralized material libraries - Materials, colors, trims, and components are stored in shared libraries that can be reused across styles and seasons.

• Fast onboarding - Brands can get started without long setup cycles or paid implementation programs.

• Supported data migration - Existing product data can be moved into Onbrand, so you don’t have to rebuild records from scratch.

• Flexible setup - Fields, stages, and approval flows can be configured to match how your product development process already works.

Onbrand PLM works alongside Onbrand AI Design to connect early concept work with production-ready execution. Design decisions stay attached to each style as work moves into tech packs, samples, and timelines, so nothing gets lost or recreated along the way.

For fashion brands looking to simplify product development, Onbrand offers a connected workflow from design through production. Book a demo to see if it’s a fit.

2. Centric PLM

Source: centricsoftware.com

Centric PLM is a cloud-based lifecycle management PLM software solution used by large fashion and apparel brands managing complex assortments, materials, and vendor workflows across multiple regions.

It supports core fashion product development processes such as managing specs, materials, bills of materials (BOMs), and approvals as styles move from design through sourcing and production.

The system focuses on structured PLM data, which helps brands maintain consistency across collections and coordinate work with suppliers across globalized supply chains.

Centric PLM is often adopted by organizations transitioning away from legacy systems and typically connects with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems as part of a broader PLM implementation. Setup usually involves upfront planning and internal change management to align teams and workflows.

Key Features

• Product data management - Centralized records for styles, materials, and updates

• BOM management - Tracks components and raw materials across development

• Document management - Stores specs, approvals, and related files

• Supply chain management - Supports vendor and sourcing workflows

• Configuration management - Manages product structures across categories

3. Backbone PLM

Source: backboneplm.com

Backbone PLM is a cloud PLM platform used by growing fashion brands that want a visual way to manage product development and tech packs.

It supports core business processes such as style setup, material tracking, and approvals in a single system, helping you keep data up to date as collections evolve.

Backbone PLM is often used by project managers who need clear visibility into styles, costs, and timelines without relying on spreadsheets.

It focuses on ease of use and provides a user-friendly interface suited for brands managing changing market demands across multiple seasons.

Key Features

• Web-based tech packs - Centralized specs with basic document control

• Style and line sheet management - Organizes products across collections

• Team collaboration tools - Supports internal review and updates

• Material and cost tracking - Monitors inputs during development

• Integrations with design tools - Connects design files to product records

4. WFX PLM

Source: worldfashionexchange.com

WFX PLM supports apparel brands that manage sourcing, sampling, and production across manufacturing partners. The platform is often used by discrete manufacturers and brands working with global manufacturers, where coordination across vendors matters.

It focuses on tracking styles from early development through production, helping you manage costs, materials, and approvals with real-time data.

It also supports regulatory compliance by keeping quality checks, production details, and documentation tied to each product record.

WFX PLM is commonly adopted by brands that need closer visibility into factory-level workflows rather than early design exploration.

Key Features

• End-to-end product lifecycle tracking - Follows styles from development to production

• Sourcing and vendor management - Supports supplier coordination

• Costing and production planning - Tracks pricing and production details

• Quality and compliance tracking - Manages checks tied to production

• Reporting tools - Provide visibility into development and production status

5. PTC FlexPLM

Source: ptc.com

PTC FlexPLM is an enterprise PLM technology used by large fashion and retail brands managing complex product lines across regions.

It supports product and assortment planning, development, and sourcing within one system, which can help coordinate work across design, development, and production functions.

FlexPLM is often adopted by organizations with established business processes and multiple integrations with existing systems, including ERP systems.

Adoption often involves formal implementation and internal alignment to match the platform’s processes.

Key Features

• Enterprise-grade PLM architecture - Supports large, complex organizations

• Product and assortment management - Organizes styles across categories

• ERP system integration - Connects PLM with broader business systems

• Advanced reporting - Tracks product and development data

• Global collaboration support - Coordinates work across regions and partners

6. Aptean Apparel PLM

Source: aptean.com

Aptean Apparel PLM is used by apparel brands seeking greater structure during planning, development, and sourcing phases, often as part of a broader ERP-based setup.

The platform supports core apparel workflows, including managing materials, calendars, and sourcing activities, alongside other business systems.

Aptean Apparel PLM is typically adopted by brands that already rely on Aptean software and want PLM capabilities connected to existing tools.

The system emphasizes control and consistency across product records as styles move toward production.

Key Features

• Apparel-focused PLM modules - Supports planning and development workflows

• Material and sourcing tools - Tracks fabrics, trims, and suppliers

• Calendar management - Manages development timelines and key dates

• Business system integration - Connects PLM with ERP and related tools

• Compliance support - Stores documentation tied to sourcing and production

7. DeSL PLM

Source: desl.net

DeSL PLM is used by apparel and footwear brands that need structured control over product data and development workflows.

The platform supports activities such as managing tech packs, materials, calendars, and sourcing details across design and production.

DeSL PLM is often used by brands with established processes that require consistency across seasons and categories.

It can be deployed alongside other business systems and is typically adopted by organizations that prefer a configurable PLM tool to manage product records as styles move toward production.

Key Features

• Tech pack and specification management - Maintains product details and updates

• Material and vendor tracking - Manages sourcing information

• Calendar and milestone planning - Supports development timelines

• Compliance documentation - Stores records tied to production

• System integrations - Connects PLM with other business tools

Choosing the Right PLM Solution for Your Team

The right PLM solution should match how you already work while giving you room to grow. Instead of forcing your team into rigid processes, the system should support your product workflow from early development through production.

Here are a few factors to consider as you compare options.

Match the System to Your Collection Size

Managing 10 styles at a time looks very different from managing 50. Pay attention to how often specs change, how many sample rounds you run, and how many timelines overlap. It should handle frequent updates without creating confusion.

Consider How Your Workflow Is Structured

Some brands spend more time reviewing designs, while others move quickly into samples and sourcing. A strong fashion PLM should reflect how your work flows today, not forcing you to rebuild processes around the tool.

Look Closely at Vendor Communication

When vendors are part of daily updates, shared access matters. Clear PLM collaboration keeps specs, sample feedback, and approvals tied to the same style record, which helps avoid missed changes.

Think About Adoption Speed

Long setup timelines and complex training often slow adoption. Faster onboarding makes it easier to keep work centralized instead of falling back to spreadsheets and side tools.

What Makes Onbrand the Best PLM Solution for Growing Fashion Teams

Most PLM systems start with development. Design decisions happen elsewhere, then get rebuilt once production work begins. Onbrand takes a different approach by integrating early design work and production planning within a single shared ecosystem.

With Onbrand AI Design and Onbrand PLM working together, you keep decisions intact as styles move forward. This reduces rework, limits confusion, and gives you clearer control over how products take shape.

Align on Design Direction Before Development Begins

Before specs, samples, or timelines are locked in, Onbrand AI Design helps you review concepts and explore variations visually.

Early alignment makes it easier to move into development with fewer changes later.

Carry Design Decisions Forward Without Rebuilding Work

Once a concept is approved, Onbrand PLM carries those decisions into tech packs, samples, and timelines.

Design intent remains visible, rather than being recreated or interpreted in a different system.

Keep Context Through Reviews and Approvals

Design feedback, development updates, and approvals remain connected to the same style record.

You can see what changed, why it changed, and when it was approved, without searching across tools or files.

Grow Without Breaking Your Workflow

As collections expand, many brands add more tools to cover gaps. Onbrand avoids that by supporting early design through production in one connected setup.

The workflow scales without fragmenting how work gets done, which protects competitive advantage as your line grows.

Upgrade Your PLM Workflow With Onbrand

As fashion collections grow, managing product development without clear systems becomes harder to sustain.

PLM solutions give teams a shared source of truth for tech packs, timelines, approvals, and vendor communication, which helps reduce confusion as more people and partners get involved.

While many PLM platforms focus only on development and production, Onbrand stands out by connecting design decisions and execution in one continuous workflow.

With Onbrand AI Design supporting early alignment and Onbrand PLM carrying that context into development and production, teams spend less time recreating work and more time moving styles forward with clarity.

If you’re looking for a PLM that fits how fashion teams actually work and scales with your collections, Onbrand is worth a closer look. Explore how Onbrand supports your full workflow, or book a demo to see how it works in practice.

FAQs About PLM Solutions

What is a PLM solution?

A PLM solution is software that helps fashion brands manage product data, workflows, and approvals across the entire lifecycle, from early design to production. It centralizes tech packs, materials, timelines, and vendor updates in one place.

What does PLM stand for?

PLM stands for product lifecycle management. It refers to the systems brands use to control product information, changes, and collaboration as styles move through development and production.

What is the best PLM software?

The best PLM software depends on your workflow. For growing fashion brands that want design decisions to carry into development without rebuilding context, Onbrand PLM is a strong option. It supports process automation, clear approvals, and faster onboarding, which can lead to significant cost savings by reducing rework, delays, and duplicate tools.

Is PLM an ERP system?

No. PLM is not an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. PLM focuses on product development, while ERP handles finance, inventory, and operations. Some enterprise PLMs used by global organizations integrate with ERP systems, especially in industries like consumer electronics or industrial automation, but they serve different roles.

Do PLMs use machine learning?

Some PLM platforms use machine learning for search, data cleanup, or reporting. In fashion, most teams use PLM as a digital product record that tracks specs, approvals, and changes across the entire lifecycle.