Question

What information infrastructure does Zara need in order to operate its production, distribution, and fast fashion retail network effectively?

Answer 1

Zara is a brand that has globalised its business all over the world. It has its stores running in all the continents successfully and in such a globalised business the main key to operations and supply management being handled effectively is a proper logistics infrastucture. As the locations are diversified, IT is the best tool that can help in an efficient infrastructure. In old times when market was slow and demand and supply was comparatively less linking through telephones and fax was enough. But with the fast growth in business and technology the proper linking of both to derive maximum results is essential.

They have a website working online which is for buyers to view the products and not for purchasing through online means. Having other functions managed by this site will give them a better way of maintaining logistics ans supply management. Something that can make the managers at the stores worldwide able to keep a track of the productione line and updating the trends in the market based on the place they are located in. For fast fashion retail they should also be able to reserve the quantities of shipments that are upcoming and products that need to be stocked up. Having a proper and effective communication with the production department and designers is also essential in this type of business. This is possible though a systemized IT infrastructure as face to face presence of all is not possible at all times. Thus using the IT systems to have a proper logistics, processes and people operating the business effectively is what is required from the IT infrastructure of the company.