The story of how TAL Apparel Group grew from a single textile mill in Hong Kong to its current status as a global powerhouse in apparel design, manufacturing, and logistics, is a prime example of how synchronization — the simultaneous and highly efficient coordination of far-flung supply chain, product development, and marketing and sales activities with customers and suppliers — can provide not only the operating model for a potent business strategy but also an effective competitive response to an increasingly commoditized industry. Read the full case study in the PDF attached below.

This new case study from Deloitte Research shows how TAL has changed the dynamics of its competitive situation to its distinct advantage by delivering a value proposition beyond the usual concerns of cost, quality, and delivery. This has been achieved by taking the synchronization of supply and demand to a whole new level of performance. By linking activities on the factory floor of its various Asian factories to points of sale at retailers in the U.S., TAL has established closer ties with its retail customers and successfully managed to “lock in” its customer base. In the process, it has evolved from a strict commodity manufacturer to a full-fledged, synchronization services provider. Furthermore, with its close and stable customer relationships, TAL has developed the capabilities to create new materials, products, manufacturing, and logistics processes to help ensure continued improvement of its business model.

"To survive and prosper in increasingly complex and global markets, TAL Apparel Group continues to develop its capabilities for synchronizing the entire value chain. As shown in this new study by Deloitte Research “The Power of Synchronization: The Case of TAL Apparel Group,” by synchronizing effectively major processes across the supply chain, marketing and sales, and product development operations, we are continuously raising the bar for serving customers around the world." 

Dr. Harry Lee, Chief Executive Officer, TAL Apparel Group