Coats Digital is thrilled to announce a pioneering enhancement to its award-winning GSDCost solution, aimed at fostering more effective and sustainable collaboration between brands and vendor partners in the fashion supply chain.

The new GSDCost functionality leverages scientifically-backed international standard time benchmarks, using accurate Standard Minute Values (SMVs), to create credible Bill of Labour (BOL) garment style requests. This allows brands to issue these requests to multiple vendors simultaneously and efficiently compare Cost-to-Make (CM) responses on a single platform.

GSDCost is recognized as the international standard in the garment industry, promoting a transparent, collaborative, and sustainable supply chain. By using a scientific common language, it supports accurate cost prediction, fact-based negotiation, and optimized manufacturing processes, aligning with CSR commitments. Additionally, the enhanced Fair Wage Tool, with data from the Fair Wage Network, facilitates the quick agreement on fair living wages globally.

Stuart McCready-Stocks, Brands Commercial Director at Coats Digital, highlighted that the new features address brand challenges in securing accurate CM quotes and fostering effective supplier collaboration. The Create, Collaborate, and Compare elements provide robust data insights into productivity, machinery capabilities, ethical compliance, and fair wage practices, helping brands identify and collaborate with compliant and sustainable vendors.

Amid climate crises, economic uncertainties, and new regulatory demands, this tool, supported by the Fair Wage Network and the ILO, is timely, enhancing transparency and collaboration in meeting industry compliance and sustainability goals.