What if fashion’s next tech ‘breakthrough’ has nothing to do with the next shiny object but everything to do with fixing the broken legacy systems hiding in plain sight?

We’re obsessed with generative design tools and blockchain authentication. But there’s an inconvenient truth: the biggest hurdle isn’t adopting new tech - it’s forcing it to work with pre-digital workflows.

The brands that will win? They’re the ones who cleaned house first.

5 ways to recalibrate your tech strategy

1.    Legacy systems are the backstage bottleneck

The real challenge isn’t inventing new tech, but orchestrating the backstage transformation - aligning people, processes, and partners to unlock tech’s full value.
Recent security incidents across UK retail have highlighted the critical importance of maintaining secure, well-integrated technology foundations.

Fix it: Tools like UiPath map workflow gaps before AI integration.
Aistetic plug: Our product data solutions clean house first - so your teams can focus on creativity, not cleanup.

2.    Tech fails when creatives & engineers don’t speak the same language

Use Figma or Miro for collaborative prototyping to bridge visual and technical teams.

3.    The hottest job isn’t AI Engineer - it’s "Phygital Fixer"

Hybrid leaders & platforms that translate between analog and digital are key to meeting the customer where they are. Check out Syrup.tech – their platform is focused on AI-powered inventory orchestration & forecasting for phygital – retail stores and online.

4. Slow down to scale faster

87% of successful transformations start with clarity of process standardisation. Deploy process mining tools like Celonis to diagnose inefficiencies pre-tech.

5. Tech wins when it enhances humanity - not replaces it

Consumers and businesses crave "tech with a soul" - tools that amplify creativity. What tech are you using that amplifies your team’s creativity?

The future isn’t about who is fastest - it’s about who fixed the foundations first. Is your legacy system a time bomb … or a launchpad?