ShinWon Corporation, a global apparel manufacturer, is strengthening its global manufacturing competitiveness through the implementation of SPHERE, a next-generation integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The initiative marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to unify enterprise-wide business data and accelerate its AI transformation (AX).
Built around SAP S/4HANA, SPHERE integrates key business systems, including Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Manufacturing Execution System (MES), e-Accounting and SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC). The platform connects the entire apparel manufacturing process—from order management and sample development to costing, sourcing, procurement, production, logistics, shipment and settlement—through a unified data framework.
By consolidating workflows and data previously managed across spreadsheets, emails and standalone applications, ShinWon has established standardized business processes centered on SAP. The system also improves data consistency and accessibility at the product level, enabling more systematic management of Bills of Materials (BOM) and production processes for individual styles.
The integration of sales, product development, procurement, production, logistics and financial data provides a unified operational framework across ShinWon’s headquarters and overseas manufacturing subsidiaries. This enables its global operations to follow consistent processes and data standards. In particular, the integration of MES with ERP allows the company to manage production status and cost information more effectively while identifying and responding to production-related issues more quickly.
SPHERE also enhances ShinWon’s business intelligence capabilities. Through SAP Analytics Cloud, the company has established a framework for analyzing key operational data, including orders, production and costs, across subsidiaries, buyers and products. Moving beyond conventional data reporting, the system is expected to support more comprehensive profitability analysis by product and buyer, enabling more informed, data-driven business decisions.
ShinWon has been advancing its enterprise-wide AI transformation through initiatives such as establishing a dedicated AI organization and adopting ChatGPT Enterprise. Alongside efforts to strengthen AI capabilities across the organization, the company has been expanding practical AI applications in areas such as repetitive task automation and data analytics. With SPHERE, ShinWon has established a foundation for integrating standardized ERP data with AI technologies, paving the way for further improvements in operational efficiency and data utilization.
Building on this foundation, ShinWon is pursuing a phased approach to implementing AI across its business operations. The company is exploring the in-house development of an AI-powered demand forecasting system using sales data from major retailers. It is also considering incorporating additional variables, such as weather conditions, geographic regions and promotional periods, to improve forecasting accuracy. In parallel, ShinWon is evaluating opportunities to automate repetitive processes, including the preparation and verification of export declarations, using ERP data and AI technologies.
“Through SPHERE, we have established a unified framework that connects our business operations and data, laying the foundation for AI integration,” said JJ Park, CEO of ShinWon Corporation. “We will continue to expand AI applications across our operations to enhance global supply chain visibility, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen our manufacturing competitiveness through data-driven innovation.”
