Key points
Numendo supported a big luxury house in scoping and conducting a request for proposal (RFP) for its future PLM tool. This intervention helped align teams around change, precisely map business requirements, and secure the selection of a sustainable software solution.
30
key users involved in PLM scoping, the audit, and processes
1
successfully managed tender process resulting in a shortlist of 2 target PLM vendors
introduction
A true benchmark in high-end fashion and creation, this prominent Parisian house shapes exceptional collections where attention to detail and artisanal craftsmanship are paramount. To support its growth and optimize product lifecycle management (PLM), the Operations Management team sought to address a major challenge: streamlining upstream creative stages and eliminating operational time loss between teams. To lay the groundwork for this application transformation, the house entrusted us with an audit, pre-scoping, and vendor selection assistance (RFP) mission. Our objective was to establish an accurate assessment of existing processes, formalize target functional coverage, and select the software vendors best suited to the brand’s ecosystem.
context & challenge
Uniting Artisanal Crafts Around a Shared Tool
This project is part of an optimization initiative: the desire to provide the upstream creative team with a dedicated solution to streamline communication and harmonize informational assets. Implementing this PLM aims to bring together approximately 30 key users from a rich and complementary ecosystem: creative studio, merchandising, pattern makers, methods office, development, industrialization, production, and quality.
Beyond technical architecture, the key to success rested on tailored human support. To onboard teams holding exceptional artisanal know-how, we favored a progressive approach based on listening, dialogue, and reassurance, ensuring smooth and enthusiastic adoption of the target solution.
This project is part of an optimization initiative: the desire to provide the upstream creative team with a dedicated solution to streamline communication and harmonize informational assets. Implementing this PLM aims to bring together approximately 30 key users from a rich and complementary ecosystem: creative studio, merchandising, pattern makers, methods office, development, industrialization, production, and quality.
Beyond technical architecture, the key to success rested on tailored human support. To onboard teams holding exceptional artisanal know-how, we favored a progressive approach based on listening, dialogue, and reassurance, ensuring smooth and enthusiastic adoption of the target solution.
Numendo’s involvement was key to launching our PLM project on the right foot. Their teams successfully adapted to our organizational constraints and found the right positioning with our business units, rapidly building a climate of trust. Thanks to their market expertise and high-quality workshop facilitation, we now have a precise functional scope and a flawlessly executed RFP. It is a very smooth and transparent collaboration that equips us with everything we need to approach the next phase of the project with complete confidence.
execution : PLM Scoping, Process Audit and RFP Management Across Teams
From Field Audit to Selecting the Ideal Solution
Conducted over several months, our intervention was structured around an agile and immersive methodology, led by our PLM expert Fabrice.
1. Audit and Process Scan Phase (6 Business Workshops)
We conducted six targeted workshops with domain business experts. This immersion phase allowed us to map the entire value chain, identify daily friction points, and formalize a clear diagnostic of functional needs.
2. Drafting Specifications and MVP Scoping
To ensure a realistic project for the organization, we helped the house define its roadmap (MVP vs. subsequent releases of the optimized version). We drafted tailored specifications, calibrated to neither over- nor under-estimate the application coverage required for their business.
3. Managing the Request for Proposal (RFP) and Facilitation
Drawing on our knowledge of the PLM market, we preselected the most relevant players, structured exchanges, and supported vendor presentations. This facilitation step resulted in a short-list of two key partners, perfectly aligned with the house’s business and budget needs.
Conducted over several months, our intervention was structured around an agile and immersive methodology, led by our PLM expert Fabrice.
1. Audit and Process Scan Phase (6 Business Workshops)
We conducted six targeted workshops with domain business experts. This immersion phase allowed us to map the entire value chain, identify daily friction points, and formalize a clear diagnostic of functional needs.
2. Drafting Specifications and MVP Scoping
To ensure a realistic project for the organization, we helped the house define its roadmap (MVP vs. subsequent releases of the optimized version). We drafted tailored specifications, calibrated to neither over- nor under-estimate the application coverage required for their business.
3. Managing the Request for Proposal (RFP) and Facilitation
Drawing on our knowledge of the PLM market, we preselected the most relevant players, structured exchanges, and supported vendor presentations. This facilitation step resulted in a short-list of two key partners, perfectly aligned with the house’s business and budget needs.
Results
A Solid Foundation Ready for Rollout
This scoping mission now enables the house to move forward with confidence:
• A clear and shared vision: the audit raised overall team maturity and aligned the expectations of the 30 future users around a common project.
• An RFP completed on schedule: the selection process concluded with a solid proposal of two short-listed partners, providing Executive Management with all the decision-making keys for budget arbitrage.
An anchored relationship of trust: our team’s listening posture and agility helped remove initial hesitations, laying the foundation for long-term support during subsequent project management phases.
This scoping mission now enables the house to move forward with confidence:
• A clear and shared vision: the audit raised overall team maturity and aligned the expectations of the 30 future users around a common project.
• An RFP completed on schedule: the selection process concluded with a solid proposal of two short-listed partners, providing Executive Management with all the decision-making keys for budget arbitrage.
An anchored relationship of trust: our team’s listening posture and agility helped remove initial hesitations, laying the foundation for long-term support during subsequent project management phases.
