Australian heritage footwear and apparel brand R.M.Williams has successfully gone live with Centric Software’s Centric PLM platform to improve collaboration across teams and streamline product development operations as part of its global growth strategy.
Founded in 1932, R.M.Williams is widely known for its handcrafted leather boots and accessories made in Adelaide, South Australia. Over the years, the company has expanded into footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children, while growing its international retail and e-commerce presence across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US.
As the business continued to expand globally and diversify product categories, R.M.Williams identified the need for a more connected and standardized product development system. The company aimed to establish governed libraries, standardized product data practices and a single source of truth across departments and technology platforms.
To support these objectives, the brand implemented Centric PLM, enabling seamless integration with ERP systems and downstream operational platforms. The solution is designed to strengthen coordination between product development, sourcing, manufacturing and buying teams while improving data accuracy and operational visibility.
According to Louise Peck, Head of Product and Design Operations at R.M.Williams, Centric Software stood out due to its fashion and footwear industry expertise, structured implementation approach and strong support during deployment.
She explained that the implementation represents a major transformation in the company’s workflow processes, with a focus on building confidence in product data and improving long-term decision-making rather than only increasing speed during initial stages. She also noted that the PLM platform supports the company’s sustainability roadmap, “Crafting a Better Future,” while preparing the business for scalable global growth.
The implementation project was completed within the planned scope and budget, with the company highlighting smooth deployment and strong adoption across teams due to detailed training and enablement sessions.
Centric Software also customized aspects of the platform to align with R.M.Williams’s Australian manufacturing operations and specific data requirements while maintaining industry best practices. The collaboration enabled the company to replace disconnected workflows with a unified system connecting design, sourcing, garment technology and product development functions.
The platform is currently supporting R.M.Williams’s Core collection and SS28 seasonal ranges, helping teams improve collaboration, efficiency and decision-making through shared and reliable product data.
Fabrice Canonge, CEO of Centric Software, stated that the partnership demonstrates how heritage brands can modernize product development processes through a connected digital foundation while supporting international expansion.
