Quick Summary (TL;DR)

• Lifecycle PLM: Best for brands that need end-to-end management. Includes AI design tools, deep supply chain features, and financial tools like costing and POs.

• Onbrand PLM: Good for creative teams focused mainly on tech packs and design files.

• Main Difference: Lifecycle PLM offers a broader range of tools, including AI and ERP-like functions. Onbrand focuses heavily on the design phase.

The Move Away From Spreadsheets

Fashion brands often get stuck in "spreadsheet chaos." You might have files everywhere. Emails get lost. Mistakes happen.

Both Lifecycle PLM and Onbrand PLM solve this problem. They move your data to the cloud. They help teams work together. But they do it in different ways.

This guide compares them to help you choose.

What is Lifecycle PLM?

Lifecycle PLM is a complete system for fashion brands. It connects everything from the first idea to the final shipment. It acts like a central brain for your business.

Key strengths:

• AI Design Studio: Create new product concepts and photoshoots instantly with AI.

• End-to-End Control: Manage design, sourcing, production, and shipping in one place.

• Financial Tools: Handle detailed costing and create Purchase Orders (POs) automatically.

• Visual Boards: Plan collections on a digital whiteboard that updates in real-time.

Lifecycle PLM fits brands that want to manage the business side as well as the creative side.

What is Onbrand PLM?

Onbrand PLM is a platform built for creative speed. It focuses on making tech packs easier and faster. It aims to be simple and modern.

Key strengths:

• Live Tech Packs: Updates happen instantly so everyone sees the same version.

• Vendor Portal: Suppliers can log in to view specs and upload files.

• Simple Interface: It is easy to learn and looks good.

• Project Tracking: clear view of where each product stands in development.

Onbrand works well for design teams who want to escape static files.

Comparison Table: Features at a Glance

Deep Dive: 3 Key Differences

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Lifecycle PLM uses AI to speed up creation. The AI Design Studio lets you generate realistic product images and concepts without waiting for samples. This saves weeks of time.

Onbrand PLM does not currently focus on generative AI features. It focuses on organizing your manual design work.

2. Business vs. Design

Onbrand PLM is great for the design phase. It helps you make the product spec.

Lifecycle PLM goes further. It handles the money and logistics too. You can calculate profit margins, issue POs, and track shipments. It replaces the need for a separate ERP system for many brands.

3. Complexity and Depth

Onbrand PLM is lightweight. It is quick to set up for small teams.

Lifecycle PLM is robust. It handles complex data, large collections, and deep supplier lists. It grows with you as you scale from a startup to a major retailer.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Onbrand PLM if:

• You only need to fix your tech pack process.

• You are a small creative team with no complex logistics.

• You use other software for POs and accounting.

Choose Lifecycle PLM if:

• You want AI tools to design faster.

• You need to manage costs, POs, and shipping alongside design.

• You want a single system for your entire product journey.

• You are growing and need a tool that scales.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between Lifecycle PLM and Onbrand?

Lifecycle PLM includes AI design tools and financial features like POs. Onbrand focuses mostly on tech packs and design collaboration.

Does Lifecycle PLM replace an ERP?

Yes, for many fashion brands. Lifecycle PLM handles costing, orders, and supplier management. This often removes the need for a separate ERP.

Which PLM is better for AI features?

Lifecycle PLM is the clear winner here. Its AI Design Studio helps teams create concepts and marketing assets instantly.

Is Lifecycle PLM hard to learn?

No. While it has more features, the interface is visual and modern. Teams can start using it quickly to manage collections. Click HERE to see Lifecycle PLM in action.