As fashion companies stride into 2026, they are poised to harness cutting-edge technology to streamline operations and enhance productivity. The industry, which has historically grappled with the integration of advanced tools, is now focusing on practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, making technology the backbone of their processes. With the drive to lower costs and improve efficiency, companies are eager to leverage the investments made in digital solutions.
Experts in fashion technology have shared insights on how brands will utilize innovative technologies in the coming years. Shahrooz Shawn Kohan, CEO of AIMS360, emphasizes that automation and real-time data will play crucial roles in eliminating redundant manual tasks across purchasing, production, and inventory management. By creating a unified workflow, brands can optimize operations and enhance forecasting capabilities, thus minimizing overproduction and streamlining order fulfillment.
On the operational front, AI is expected to transform warehouse productivity through smarter picking systems and mobile workflows. Enhanced inventory accuracy across retail, wholesale, and e-commerce will further improve customer experiences, reducing shipping costs and minimizing returns. Kohan points out that tracking landed costs and labor changes in real time will allow brands to protect margins and gain a competitive edge.
Alain Tessier, Director of Product Management at Aptean, notes that AI will become as essential as fabric in the fashion industry, embedded directly into everyday workflows. This shift away from experimental projects towards practical implementations is expected to eliminate friction and accelerate decision-making. Enhanced teamwork will lead to increased creativity and efficiency, allowing teams to focus on innovative collection development rather than administrative tasks.
The trend of agentic commerce is also gaining traction, as Roy Avidor, CEO of Cymbio, explains. This technology empowers AI agents to autonomously recommend and sell products, turning digital interactions into direct revenue streams. Brands will be able to significantly cut operational costs by automating data preparation and enabling zero-click transactions, leading to a frictionless purchasing experience for customers.
Paul F. Magel, President of Computer Generated Solutions, Inc., underscores that the companies succeeding in 2026 will prioritize foundational work over chasing new technologies. A strong backbone of data governance will be vital, eliminating fragmented systems and fostering a unified operational framework that enhances productivity. By streamlining workflows and providing intuitive tools, teams can focus on high-value tasks and strategic decision-making.
As fashion companies work to adapt to a volatile market, the integration of AI with real-time data systems is more critical than ever. Companies such as Epson are already leveraging digital workflows to foster efficiency and reduce waste in textile printing. The ability to create custom pieces on demand minimizes excess inventory and storage costs, driving profitability while maintaining quality.
The shift toward integrated systems is also echoed by John Brearley, President of the Americas at Lectra. He asserts that embedding digital tools across the entire value chain is crucial for remaining competitive. This connectivity allows brands to operate with increased agility, optimizing their supply chains in response to market changes while reducing costs and waste.
The path forward for fashion companies in 2026 is clear: they must embrace technology not as an addition but as an integral part of their operational strategy. The focus will be on simplifying operations and enhancing decision-making to create resilient businesses capable of thriving in an increasingly competitive landscape. The brands that succeed will be those that effectively leverage their technology to drive operational clarity and streamline workflows, ultimately transforming challenges into opportunities.
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