What is automation within business?

Are you interested in learning what makes successful sportswear brands tick? How to streamline your gym wear manufacturing process, or how brands project stock levels to ensure they wholesale buy the right amount of sportswear?

If you've ever watched shows like Shark Tank, or Dragon's Den you'll be able to understand why investors want to know so much about not only the business, but also the person behind the business. That's because they're the sole driving force and evidently, the investment is into them just as much as it is the business/ concept.

Take this and flip it on it's head and you'll quickly realise that a business that is unable to function without the entrepreneur behind it is pretty worthless in terms of valuation (by worthless I mean not worth what it would be have the entrepreneur remain running the day-to-day functions).

How do I start to automate processes for a fitness-fashion brand?

Automation in any business is fundamental, and it's something that takes a lot of time and isn't easy. It often involves a big outlay of investment from the beginning with no real proven ROI. It does however, allow you to run the day-to-day functions of the business without being so hands on, which frees up time to focus on the real important tasks. You might now be thinking, how do I automate processes, and what steps do I need to take early on to ensure it's easier later down the line.

The best element to automate for your sportswear brand is the packaging and fulfilment process. Although in the initial stages it might be bearable to single-handily pack and ship every parcel down the local post office, once the business gains traction it will soon become a process that will steer your time away from other elements of the business that might need it more. But more importantly, as the Director you want to be just that; the Director. You built the business through relentless attention to detail, strategic planning, management and an entrepreneurial mindset. Your strong suit is being the driving force behind the brand and therefore diverting your time, attention and brain power to tasks such as packaging and fulfilment is a poor choice.

Using the 80/20 Principle

Take the 80/20 principle into account... "80% of the results, yield from 20% of the work" which means you should double down on the 20% that is important. Things such as projecting future stock levels; to reduce the risk of overstocking, or designing new seasons attire, leasing with manufacturers or building and sustaining a strong brand message are things you need to be focusing on as a Director.

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“most start-ups don't realise is how time consuming manufacturing is”

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The best way to do this is to outsource packaging and fulfilment. Although you might have to pay storage fees and other miscellaneous costs...the ROI will show after a while. So, we're a sportswear manufacturer, so of course we're going to tie this into manufacturing and how you can automate your process. What most start-ups don't realise is how time consuming manufacturing is. From finding the right manufacturer, to sampling, to phone calls and constant communication- it's never ending.

Our simple solution

We are the middleman and through years of experience in the industry, we've developed a very strong understanding of the manufacturing process. Meaning we will deal with all of this for you. You don't have to wait for 3 day replies to your email, or worry about a 9 hour time difference because we're based here in the UK and pride ourselves on communication, transparency and quality.

If you don't have connections within manufacturing, or experience in product design, sampling and production then don't worry about it. That's why we are here. We will run sampling and production for you. Deal with all the logistics of manufacturing and quote you one simple- all cost included unit cost per garment, which covers things from our fees, to VAT and customs clearance, as well as shipping.

In Conclusion

Could it really be automated any easier? If you're interested in having a no-obligation chat with one of the team today to see if we can help you, then email enquiries@white2labelmanufacturing.com.

As always, thank you for reading! We're hoping to consistently push more content on all platforms in 2020 to cement ourselves as one of the most accessible UK based sportswear manufacturers.