GSDCost is a software solution developed by Coats Digital, the technology arm of Coats Group plc, the world’s leading industrial thread manufacturer. GSDCost is globally recognized as the de facto standard for method-time-cost benchmarking in the apparel industry. It provides scientifically validated tools to optimize garment costing, improve production efficiency, and enhance supply chain transparency. The software is designed to support sustainable manufacturing practices and ethical labor standards.
Founding: GSDCost traces its origins back over 40 years to the development of General Sewing Data (GSD), which established international standards for time and motion analysis in garment manufacturing. Coats Digital has since evolved this methodology into a cutting-edge SaaS solution.
Founder: While the original GSD methodology was developed by industry experts, Coats Digital, as part of Coats Group plc, has been instrumental in modernizing and expanding the platform.
GSDCost operates under Coats Digital, which is a subsidiary of Coats Group plc, a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange. As such, it does not have independent funding rounds or valuations. Instead, its growth is supported by internal investments from Coats Group.
GSDCost offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to the apparel industry:
Creates accurate cost-to-make (CM) calculations based on scientifically validated data.
Ensures fair living wage allowances in cost calculations.
Supports fact-based negotiations between brands and vendors using standardized benchmarks.
Allows brands to create Bills of Labour (BOL), collaborate with multiple vendors simultaneously, and compare CM quotes efficiently.
GSDCost has expanded its capabilities through integration with other Coats Digital solutions like FastReactPlan for production planning and Res.Q for shop-floor management. These integrations enable real-time feedback loops for continuous improvement in production processes.
Recent updates to GSDCost include functionalities that allow brands to create, collaborate, and compare Bill of Labour estimates using standardized criteria. This feature enables brands to efficiently source and compare Cost-to-Make submissions from multiple vendors, enhancing transparency and decision-making. The software also supports multi-language and multi-currency capabilities, making it adaptable to global operations.
Core Values: Innovation, collaboration, transparency, sustainability, and ethical labor practices.
GSDCost reflects Coats Digital’s commitment to creating a more sustainable fashion supply chain by embedding fair wages into cost structures and reducing inefficiencies.
GSDCost serves a diverse global clientele that includes apparel brands, manufacturers, and retailers. Notable users include:
Shanghai Jiale Group: Reduced SMVs by over 30%, improving cost management and production efficiency across China and Indonesia.
ODLO Sportswear: Increased productivity by 10% through standardized SMV processes.
Üniteks (Turkey): Streamlined costing processes to improve profit margins while meeting sustainability goals.
Gürmen Group (Turkey): Achieved a 5% productivity increase in the initial rollout phase while aligning with its sustainability vision.
The user community spans over 65 countries, including major players like Uniqlo, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, Nike, Decathlon, and C&A.
