Marks & Spencer selects PTC solution to manage product development

Product lifecycle management solution forms part of M&S's four-year systems transformation programme

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has chosen manufacturing technology provider PTC's Retail PLM Solution to manage product development for its general merchandise business.

The retailer, which has more than 1,000 stores in over 40 countries, and plans to open another 250 stores across the world, is in the middle of a new strategy.

Dubbed the GM4 Programme, M&S is engaged in a four-year systems transformation process within its general merchandise business. The PTC solution will form part of this programme to fulfil its product lifecycle management requirements.

"The retail industry is undergoing a major transformation, which is underscored by the need to improve operational efficiencies," said Paul Byfleet, director EMEA retail, apparel, footwear and consumer at PTC.

Byfleet claimed that Marks & Spencer had recognised the need for transforming its PLM system to keep up with the changes in the market.

In March, M&S announced that its CIO, Darrell Stein, would be leaving the business this summer. A spokesperson told Computing that Stein would be leaving the retailer where he had spent eight years, but that no other news in regards to a replacement or indeed the role of director of IT itself would be disclosed.

In a statement, the spokesperson said that Stein's role had "significantly changed recently".