thinkbridge partnered with a major apparel brand to cut manual data entry by 75% and reduce cycle times by 35%, delivering a clear, AI-ready transformation roadmap in just 6 weeks.
This was a textbook example of a business that had grown faster than its systems. The legacy technology stack—composed of outdated homegrown tools, Excel files, paper forms, and an underutilized SAP B1 ERP—created:
• Process fragmentation and handoffs that caused frequent delays.
• Duplicate data entry and rework, particularly across production and retail functions.
• Limited ability to scale operations, especially as SKU counts and channel complexity grew.
• Lack of timely insights, since data sat in silos and reporting was manual.
• Zero automation in high-volume, repetitive workflows such as purchase order processing, production tracking, or returns handling.
The organization was investing energy just to survive day-to-day operations, with no capacity left to innovate or optimize.
We deployed a three-phase engagement model over a 6-week period that enabled both strategic clarity and actionable momentum:
1. Deep-Dive Process Discovery and Diagnostics
We conducted site visits, job shadowing, stakeholder workshops, and system audits. Our methodology included:
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM) across core processes: Order-to-Cash, Procure-to-Pay, Make-to-Ship, and Merchandising.
• Process Mining and Manual Effort Tracking to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• System Landscape Analysis to map data flow and integration gaps.
• AI & Automation Readiness Framework to evaluate opportunities for intelligent enablement.
2. Future State Design and Capability BlueprintWe designed an ideal future state based on:
• Target business outcomes like real-time visibility, faster decision cycles, and scalable growth.
• Process redesign for simplicity, flow, and automation enablement.
• Capability-based planning, decoupling tech investments from monolithic upgrades.
3. Digital Transformation Roadmap and Playbook
We delivered a comprehensive, phased roadmap including:
• Quick Wins (first 90 days)
• Foundational Layer (core platforms, ERP/SaaS realignment)
• Intelligent Layer (automation and AI initiatives)
• Change Management Framework and governance cadence
.png)
Despite the engagement’s strategic nature, execution began alongside planning. Tangible results from the early quick wins included:
• Cycle time reduced by 35% in inventory reporting and procurement approval processes.
• Over 75% manual data entry eliminated in production and procurement workflows.
• Process visibility improved from 0% to near real-time in pilot departments.
• Forecasting pilot projected 18% accuracy improvement in seasonal SKU demand.
• Employee productivity improved in departments where automation reduced rote tasks, enabling reallocation to higher-value work.
thinkbridge doesn’t just talk about digital transformation—we engineer it with clarity, velocity, and accountability.
This apparel client’s journey is a testament to how legacy-heavy businesses can modernize without disruption. Our unique blend of thinking grounded in outcomes, value realization, pragmatic automation, and AI-readiness by design ensured the transformation wasn’t theoretical—it was staged, scoped, and already underway.
We unlocked not only immediate operational savings but also a scalable foundation for continuous digital innovation.
If you’re buried under manual effort, stitched together by legacy tech, and unsure how to move forward, we can help you design and implement a better operating system for your business.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.webp)
.webp)
.png)
.svg){kind=small}
.webp)
.webp)
