K3 and enVista unite to shape the future of fashion retail

K3 is thrilled to announce a new partnership with enVista, a supply chain and enterprise technology solutions provider and leading Microsoft Managed Partner, aimed at strengthening our mutual go-to-market offering in North America.

This collaboration promises to deliver unprecedented value to fashion and retail brands through the K3 Fashion solution and enVista’s extensive experience in retail technology and supply chain consulting.

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Jim Dart, VP Microsoft Services, and Jim Brownell, COO Enterprise Technologies at enVista, to learn more about the partnership.

The genesis of enVista in retail

With over 20 years of experience, enVista has evolved from a supply chain consulting organization into a multi-faceted technology provider with a strong focus on Microsoft services.

Today, in addition to a full suite of Microsoft services, enVista assists its clients with a range of activities, from strategic consulting and retail-specific consulting and implementation to planning and designing facilities to automating warehouses and providing warehouse supply chain consulting.

The company’s comprehensive service offering ensures businesses not only transform their digital infrastructures but also enable processes that the entire inventory pipeline.

“We have more than a dozen experts, each with over 15 years of both consulting and retail experience,” explained Jim Dart. “Our expertise and breadth of services mean we can bring significant value to the fashion industry. We’ve already worked with renowned brands like Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer.”

Indeed, enVista’s retail specialties are particularly well-suited to the fashion and apparel market. enVista’s COO, Enterprise Technologies, Jim Brownell, highlighted that the company’s early growth was centred on retail and wholesale, helping clients move products through the supply chain.

This experience directly translates to the fashion industry, which requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure the timely delivery of goods.

Leveraging industry expertise

enVista’s knowledge within the Microsoft ecosystem and the retail market, combined with K3’s deep subject matter expertise and robust fashion solutions, strengthens both companies’ market propositions.

“This partnership has provided a galvanizing focus on bringing something to market that differentiates us,” added Dart. “Our strong retail teams, with their deep experience and knowledge, allow us to stand out in the Microsoft ecosystem.”

Brownell echoed this sentiment, stating: “We believe we have a unique proposition to add to the K3 portfolio. Most of the Microsoft world is more focused on manufacturing, but this partnership solidifies our position in the retail and fashion marketplace.”

Brownell, with his extensive background in omnichannel retail, noted that the market has evolved significantly. Fashion, once a segmented business, is now expanding as commodity companies branch into specific product lines, effectively becoming fashion businesses.

Regardless of their market entry point, fashion retailers need comprehensive inventory management solutions and rapid market response capabilities, especially now when the retail cycle has accelerated dramatically.

Brands and retailers must get to market quickly to stay competitive.

Achieving this, however, requires the right solutions and expertise, which is where enVista and K3 add significant value.

Made-to-measure solutions

Microsoft has traditionally focused on manufacturing and is relatively new to the retail space. However, with companies like K3 embedding its solutions into the D365 landscape, Microsoft’s ERPs are now ready to support brands and retailers effectively.

“Microsoft’s ERPs are robust and powerful,” explained Dart. “However, they have limitations for fashion needs, such as style, color, and size hierarchies. K3 Fashion addresses these gaps, providing streamlined workflows and detailed business intelligence tailored to the fashion industry.”

Brownell underscored the operational efficiency the partnership offers. Previously, retailers required both an ERP and a retail management system, complicating their tech stacks and leading to inefficiencies.

“The Microsoft suite combined with K3’s solutions accelerates processes, reduces costs, and allows companies to focus on their core business,” added Brownell. “It’s incredibly powerful that retailers can track an item throughout the system, from purchasing to accounting, planning, and forecasting. This embedment is huge for businesses, eliminating the need for bolted-on systems.”

enVista’s experience also allows it to provide additional services, such as logistics management. Whether that involves transporting raw materials to the border or delivering finished goods to stores, enVista is ready to guide companies with all aspects of their operations.

Dart emphasized this commitment: “Our goal is customer success, enabling fashion organizations to create and execute digital modernization programs for long-term success, customer loyalty, and profitability.”

Brownell concluded: “Our combined skills and technology expertise, paired with a deep understanding of the Microsoft platform and practical retail business experience, empower us to deliver unprecedented value to our customers.”

If you’d like to learn more about how enVista and K3 can assist you, feel free to contact us today.

About enVista

enVista is the leading supply chain and enterprise consulting firm and the premier provider of supply chain technology & strategy services, material handling automation & robotics, Microsoft solutions and IT managed services. With 20+ years of unmatched domain expertise, enVista serves thousands of leading brands. enVista’s unique ability to consult, implement and operate across supply chain, IT and enterprise technology solutions allows companies to leverage enVista as a trusted advisor across their enterprises. Let’s have a conversation.™ www.envistacorp.com