System-side integration of suppliers to boost supply chain transparency and efficiency

In order to optimize the IT systems underpinning the planning, production and logistics processes, the HUGO BOSS Group’s suppliers have been integrated via a uniform planning and collaboration portal. The web-based supplier platform simplifies communications and the exchange of data with the production partners, increasing the transparency of the flows of goods along the entire supply chain. Suppliers can also enter their production capacity in the system, making it possible to bundle orders according to needs and to reserve the required capacity with the supplier cost-effectively at an early stage. Real-time status reporting means that orders can be automatically managed according to urgency, so that goods can be delivered on schedule.

Quality management an integral part of the production process

HUGO BOSS sets exacting standards for the quality and craftsmanship of its products. With their internal quality management, the production facilities make a decisive contribution to ensuring that these requirements are satisfied. The partners are furnished with standardized quality and production manuals clearly documenting these requirements to ensure that the quality assurance activities performed by suppliers meet the standards set by HUGO BOSS. In addition, the most important quality-related processes are described in a process manual for the Group’s own production plants. Moreover, employees at the production facilities regularly receive training in cutting techniques, production management as well as production technology from HUGO BOSS personnel. This ensures that the products satisfy the Group’s high quality and design standards. Wherever economically viable, production processes are automated to minimize tolerances. Compliance with manufacturing standards is ensured using permanently installed, technology-enabled controls that are always performed at specific steps along the production line. In addition to the permanently installed control levels, regular samples are taken to monitor the other steps of the process. Quality criteria are included as an inherent part in the semi-annual supplier assessments.