Coats Digital has announced that leading knitwear specialist SQ Celsius Ltd has successfully implemented its FastReactPlan solution, leading to significant improvements in production efficiency and business growth since its adoption in 2019. The company has reported a 6 per cent enhancement in production efficiencies, an 8 per cent increase in on-time delivery performance (OTDP), and a 7 per cent reduction in unnecessary overtime hours.
By optimising planning data visibility across various teams, SQ Celsius has achieved more systematic line scheduling and improved working practices. The agility gained from the solution has allowed the company to swiftly respond to last-minute product changes, culminating in a remarkable 5 per cent boost to business growth and substantial annual profits.
SQ Celsius, a subsidiary of the prominent Bangladeshi apparel manufacturer SQ Group, employs 18,000 people and operates with over 2,475 knitting machines across two factories in Gazipur and Mymensingh. The SQ Group produces over 2.4 million pieces monthly and boasts an annual turnover exceeding $153 million. Renowned brands such as M&S, H&M, Inditex, Ralph Lauren, PVH, and GAP are among its clientele. Additionally, all SQ Group’s major manufacturing facilities hold LEED© Platinum Certifications, the highest distinction awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Prior to the implementation of FastReactPlan, SQ Celsius faced operational challenges due to inefficiencies stemming from a reliance on Excel spreadsheets for capacity planning, production scheduling, and inventory management. This fragmented approach led to siloed data across departments, resulting in visibility issues regarding machine availability, production timelines, and material readiness. Frequent delays, costly air shipments, and dissatisfied customers negatively impacted profitability and operational efficiency.
The implementation of FastReactPlan allowed SQ Celsius to access critical planning and production information from a single, digitised source, fostering closer alignment and collaboration across the organisation. This enabled planners to generate accurate Cost-to-Make (CM) quotes based on real-time capacity availability and manage diverse orders more flexibly.
Since adopting FastReactPlan, SQ Celsius has experienced a 6 per cent increase in production efficiency, an 8 per cent rise in OTDP, and a 7 per cent decrease in overtime hours, all contributing to substantial cost savings. Enhanced visibility of planning data has streamlined line scheduling and improved responsiveness to last-minute changes.
FastReactPlan, part of Coats Digital’s core Manufacturing Solution Suite, is a dynamic production planning and control tool designed specifically for footwear and apparel manufacturers. It integrates capacity, critical path, and materials into a cohesive planning system.
