There’s tons of companies producing PLM/PDM packages. For the big players, download the Software Scorecard from Apparel.

I know about WFX or World Fashion Exchange.
This is the same company, same product, just a different landing site.

Any others you could suggest?
Yes, StyleFile by Patternworks Inc. It is too new to be included in the scorecard. It was developed by a pattern making firm for (originally) in house use to manage their customers tech, pdm and plm packages. Then they created a login so their customers could use the web interface to use the software to manage their own product lines. After customers clamored for a couple of years that they wanted to run the software on their own systems, Patternworks developed their software as a stand alone product. I’ve been beta-testing it and have no reservations about it; it’s a phenomenal product. If it has a downside, I’d have to say it’s the cost. Because it is so inexpensive, people think it’s not any good. They’re used to paying $100,000 for a product that isn’t as comprehensive and configurable. This program has some really exciting features. I’ve been waiting for years for a product that would be useful and affordable for individuals and small companies.

The other thing about pdm/plm packages is, that because they’re so expensive, most small companies and individuals have to lease software by the month (WFX etc). Other than that you’re required to an annual commitment with no money back guaranteed, what they promise you for $85 a month is read only; what you’d have to pay for a contractor (for example) to access it to get the cut sheets. To actually USE it to input data to generate reports, is another service level, depending on what you want to do, usually $250-$500 a month. They put the $85 a month up there to snag you but like I said, that’s what it costs for a user you designate to print out orders, data or reports you’ve created at the higher service level. What’s really great about it is that pattern makers and tech designers putting together packages can afford it. Most are using things they’ve cobbled together. It’s allowing me to offer services to my clients I couldn’t before. Not being able to afford the big bucks, I’d left this potential revenue source on the table. I couldn’t take the work.

Style File is actually ready to go, ready for purchase now but because they’re still compiling documentation, they haven’t made an official announcement. I’d get a demo of that before I’d look at anything else. This program costs $2,000. and I think they’re also developing a monthly rental program too. Check that out before you buy anything else.

illustrations of the details including hangtag and label placement diagrams
folding directions
packaging requirements
how to measure guide
finish measurements with tolerances
material list for all colors ways

plus a cover sheet listing amendments to the specification pack after it was released to production.

I really agree that the TP is the “contract” its the “bible” of that garment. It tracks everything from design decisions to fit changes to lab dips.

We would start by building a design development pack; This includes flat sketches, fabric swatches and info, embellishments, artwork and placement, trim info, and later; strike offs, lab dips etc.
This pack gets handed to the pattern maker and resurfaces again later in production when it comes time to order trims, resource trims, do pricing etc.

After the pattern maker has made the 1st pattern (they add the cutters must and info to the TP) and a first sample has been made, a tech person will take measurements and add it into their part of the TP. Each next prototype and fitting is recorded here as a record. These changes are also made on the master pattern and the design pack as well. The package acts as a master (or gospel as i say) whatever is in there is what has gone to sewers/manufactuers etc. You can always check back to your TP in responce to something coming back incorrect to see if it was your instruction or their mistake.

All of the files were standard templates that we built in excel. Its simple to drop in sketches and make changes. The files are small so quick to work on/send.

Later on when we went into the juniors market our designers built TPs all on illustrator, these files became HUGE once you dropped in graphics etc, We would send pysical TPs to Asian factories so it didnt really matter what size the files became, although they could get clunky to work on.

In the end the TP does take a lot of time to put together, but really saves time in production and anytime anyone has a question its quick and easy to answer. In the end you have a great reference to refer back to if you ever want to remake part of a style.