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Boot Barn Steps into Centric PLM and Centric Visual Boards to Boost Efficiency

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Country-western retailer adds modern PLM and visual assortment boards to replace manual merchandising methods

CAMPBELL, Calif., Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Centric Software® is pleased to announce that Boot Barn has selected Centric PLMTM and Centric Visual BoardsTM to drive efficiency and enable rapid growth. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to plan, design, develop, source, buy, make, price, allocate, sell and replenish products such as fashion, outdoor, luxury, footwear, home and related goods like cosmetics & personal care as well as multi-category retail to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.  

Experiencing Centric PLM 10 years ago has given me a front row seat to witness its remarkable evolution and ongoing innovation

Founded in 1978 and based in Irvine, California, Boot Barn is the largest country western and work wear retailer in the US, with over 425 retail stores in 46 states. The chain is growing, buoyed by their 12 private label brands. The goal is to continue its 15% annual increase of new store openings and to have a presence in every state.

Rapid growth is one of the compelling reasons that Boot Barn sought a PLM solution. Its private label/exclusive brands (EB) business burgeoned to over $600 million — 38% of total revenue — in a relatively short time period.

Julie Ting, VP of Information Technology at Boot Barn notes that the company used to carry almost all third-party or national brands. They then started up their EB division. “As you can imagine, when you have only a handful of styles and a couple million dollars of sales, everything can be maintained manually as far as designing, tech packs and communication with vendors. We were very old-school: emails and sending spreadsheet files back and forth. But as our EB business continued to grow, then ultimately explode, it became too arduous to operate that way at scale. Now with thousands of styles and millions of units of inventory, it’s much more difficult to do that.”

Boot Barn launched a search for a PLM platform over the course of a few years. They evaluated the main players; what the product offer was, the profile in the market, what clients those vendors had and who could support the complexity of Boot Barn’s business. Ting had experienced Centric PLM in a different role 10 years prior. She makes an interesting observation “Experiencing Centric PLM 10 years ago has given me a front row seat to witness its remarkable evolution and ongoing innovation”.

Another addition since the early years is Centric Visual Boards. Ting describes the current state of assortment planning. “Our design, merchandising and buying teams are very visual. We currently do assortment planning through Excel spreadsheets but try to layer in the visual element and it’s really cumbersome. It is an old-school paper doll model. But there is also the KPI-driven element that the teams must consider.

“Centric Visual Assortment Boards is an eloquent easy-to-use solution that is integrated to PLM. It’s intuitive. To be able to slice and dice how the product is being offered, you can see how it could roll! Centric Visual Boards meets the teams where they are in their process. They are very excited about how dynamic and user-friendly the platform is.”

Because Boot Barn product assortments consist of clothing and footwear for workwear, there are UL certifications and testing that must be met and maintained. Government departments that oversee imported leathers must also be satisfied. Ting shares, “The certifications and licensing have to follow the product and the POs from the manufacturing locations into the US to ensure everything is in order. They need to be available readily. Right now managing and tracking all of that is very manual for our expanding exclusive brands business, so we are eager to manage that function in PLM.”

Centric PLM will also add granularity to costing to alleviate some tariff pressure. Ting shares, “We use thousands of spreadsheets and emails so we can’t easily see costs. Having visibility into the details of our BOMs with Centric PLM will result in better costing since we’ll be able to source particular components across our hundreds of global vendors.”

“Using Centric PLM and Centric Visual Boards together will be a lot more efficient and productive. There will be a reduction in the number of interactions and emails across the board.” Ting continues, “We signed an extended contract because we really believe in the product, the organization and in the long-term relationship with Centric.”

Chris Groves, CEO of Centric Software says, “We are thrilled that Boot Barn has placed their trust in us. Our industry experts will impart best practices to increase productivity in this exciting phase of growth. We know the merchandising, sourcing and planning teams will be delighted with the unique, visual decision-making power that Centric Visual Boards bring to the table.”

https://www.centricsoftware.com/l/35842/2024-11-25/wdhpn8 [Learn more about Centric Software __title__ Learn more about Centric Software]
See Centric AI-Powered Solutions in action at https://www.centricsoftware.com/l/35842/2024-09-12/wd6tjs [NRF 2025, Booth #6257 __title__ NRF 2025, Booth #6257]
https://www.centricsoftware.com/l/35842/2024-11-25/wdhpnc [Request a demo __title__ Request a demo]

Boot Barn (http://www.bootbarn.com)

What started out as one store in 1978 has since become the largest western and work wear retailer in the nation. We say that our customers feed America, build America, and protect America. With an uncompromising desire to support the local communities we serve, we proudly offer the broadest selection of cowboy boots, work boots, western wear, workwear, western-inspired fashion, and outdoor gear. It is an honor to support the varying lifestyles of the people who make our country so great. Our vision is simple: to offer everyone a piece of the American spirit—one handshake at a time.

Media Contact

Aurore Evee, Centric Software, +16479155377, aurore.evee@centricsoftware.com, www.centricsoftware.com 

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SOURCE Boot Barn

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Neusoft Showcases Full-Stack & Global Innovations at Auto China 2026

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BEIJING, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At Auto China 2026, Neusoft Corporation hosted a press conference on April 25th and announced three key strategic moves: the iteration of Neusoft OneCoreGo® Global In-Vehicle Intelligent Mobility Solution 7.0, the launch of Neusoft NAGIC.AI Cockpit Software Platform, and the strategic upgrade of its subsidiary, Neusoft Smart Go. By leveraging full-stack technology and a global ecosystem to drive innovation and empowerment, Neusoft is transforming vehicles into proactive, connected and collaborative mobile intelligent spaces.

OneCoreGo® Global In-Vehicle Intelligent Mobility Solution 7.0: An Evolved AI Companion for Global Intelligent Mobility

Intelligent mobility requires proactive perception, scenario integration, and global connectivity to meet personalized user needs and complex driving scenarios. Neusoft, whose products cover over 130 countries and regions worldwide, addresses these challenges with its OneCoreGo® Global In-Vehicle Intelligent Mobility Solution 7.0 through AI-driven innovation and global ecosystem collaboration. Powered by One Mate’s cross-agent collaboration and a sub-product matrix including One Map, One Sight, One Cloud, One Pay, One Store, One Link, and One Guard, the solution delivers full-link global mobility services spanning navigation, in-cabin AR, payment, app ecosystem services, connectivity and security. By breaking down functional silos, it streamlines multi-step operations into a single “depart” command, leveraging full-stack AI technology across perception, decision-making, interaction, and execution processes.

Guan Xin, Vice President of Neusoft and General Manager of Neusoft Automotive Innovative Solutions Division, said, “Adhering to the core principles of AI and globalization, OneCoreGo® 7.0 keeps innovating, evolving into a globally intelligent mobility companion that truly understands user needs.”

To enhance driving safety and mobility efficiency, OneCoreGo® 7.0 has also comprehensively upgraded its sub-products: One Map Global Navigation newly introduces 3D city effects, 3D lane-level maps, and traffic light guidance, offering dedicated solutions for two-wheelers and commercial vehicles as well. One Sight AR For Car improves navigation display effects, reducing instances of taking wrong routes. One Pay In-Vehicle Payment achieves over 90% payment coverage for parking services across core European cities. Combined with One Cloud’s global compliance cloud monitoring platform and One Guard’s full-stack vehicle networking security services, it creates a truly comprehensive OneCoreGo® Global In-Vehicle Intelligent Mobility Solution.

Neusoft NAGIC.AI Cockpit Software Platform: Dual-track Architecture for AI Integration in Every Vehicle

Amid the AI-driven transformation of the automotive industry, the market faces two challenges: limited computing power in legacy vehicles and high adaptation difficulties for next-gen models. Neusoft’s NAGIC.AI Cockpit Software Platform adopts a flexible “distributed + centralized” dual-track architecture approach. For existing vehicle models, it introduces the AI BOX solution, rapidly boosting computing power via external AI computing units, significantly reducing upgrade costs and timelines. For new vehicle models built on next-gen central computing platforms, Neusoft provides a full-stack AI cockpit software product suite, meeting automakers’ stringent requirements for system stability, reliability, and full-domain control.

Pang Hongyan, Vice President of Neusoft and General Manager of the Automotive Intelligent Software Division, said, “Our dual-track architecture enables every vehicle to embrace AI and enjoy an intelligent future. Both existing models and new-generation vehicles can find the most suitable path to intelligentization.”

Moreover, Neusoft’s NAGIC.AI Cockpit Software Platform features scenario-based, human-centric AI Agents seamlessly integrating driving safety, occupant care services, intelligent assisted driving and in-cabin entertainment. Neusoft also collaborates with global ecosystem partners to drive intelligent upgrades of in-cabin interaction products, fostering a more open and dynamic intelligent cockpit ecosystem.

Strategic Upgrade of Neusoft Smart Go: A World-leading Provider of Full-Domain Upper-Body Electronics Solutions for Intelligent Vehicles

Aligning with the trend of E/E architecture evolution from distributed control to “central computing + zonal control”, Neusoft Smart Go, a subsidiary of Neusoft in the field of intelligent vehicle connectivity, has completed a strategic upgrade, aiming to become a global leader in full-domain upper-body electronics solutions for intelligent vehicles.

This strategic upgrade positions Neusoft Smart Go to focus on full-domain scenarios in upper-body electronics, building a product matrix covering full-category in-vehicle electronics solutions, including central computing platforms, cockpit-driving-parking integration, intelligent cockpits, intelligent communications, intelligent audio systems, and zonal control units, and pioneering the integration of large model algorithms.

Jian Guodong, Senior Vice President of Neusoft and CEO of Neusoft Smart Go, said, “This strategic upgrade represents a significant leap from partial focus to comprehensive layout. Through our dual-track strategy of high-end cutting-edge solutions and mature standardized products, we can flexibly meet the mass production needs of vehicle models across different regions and price segments worldwide.” Neusoft Smart Go will provide mass-producible, adaptable hardware-software integrated solutions, empowering global automakers in achieving intelligent transformation.

Neusoft’s President, Mr.Gai Longjia stated, “In the future, Neusoft Smart Go will create stronger synergy with Neusoft Corporation by sharing internal technologies and capabilities while responding jointly to external demands. This specialized yet collaborative model will preserve business unit’s agility and expertise while enhancing Neusoft’s full-stack technological advantages.”

As a trusted partner in a smarter world, Neusoft is committed to collaborating with global automakers and ecosystem partners to build an open and inclusive intelligent automotive community together for the future of global mobility.

For more information about Neusoft, please visit www.neusoft.com.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/neusoft-showcases-full-stack–global-innovations-at-auto-china-2026-302753701.html

SOURCE Neusoft Corporation

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Lianlian DigiTech Returns to Money20/20 Asia to Expand Partnerships, Share Industry Trends, and Explore AI-Enabled Global Financial Infrastructure

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BANGKOK, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lianlian DigiTech, a leading global provider of digital payment services, was once again invited to participate in Money20/20 Asia, one of the world’s most influential fintech gatherings, held in Bangkok, Thailand from April 21 to 23. At the event, the company presented its latest developments in cross-border payment infrastructure, technology innovation, and ecosystem collaboration, offering a comprehensive view of its work enhancing global cross-border payment capabilities.

During the conference, Lianlian DigiTech announced a strategic partnership with UK-based fintech company USI Money to further strengthen its global cross-border payment network, delivering more efficient and reliable fund flows for merchants worldwide. Shen Enguang, Co-President of Lianlian DigiTech; Mark Ma, Head of Global Banking Partnership at LianLian Global; and Bryan Jiang, General Manager Hong Kong of LianLian Global, attended the event and engaged with representatives from international financial institutions. They shared perspectives on fintech trends and global payment innovation, offering industry insight into the continued evolution of a more integrated and interoperable cross-border payments ecosystem.

Building a Borderless Payment Network with Global Partners Including USI Money

At the event, Lianlian DigiTech formalized a strategic collaboration with London-headquartered USI Money to further develop its global payment infrastructure.

The partnership will focus on cross-border remittance and foreign exchange services, combining both companies’ technological capabilities and resources to deliver a one-stop payment and collection solution for global businesses. The offering is built to be efficient, secure, and cost-effective, improving overall fund flow efficiency and streamlining foreign exchange execution.

Syed Bukhari, Group Chief Business and Operating Officer at USI Money, said: “Our partnership with Lianlian will strengthen our remittance capabilities, creating greater value for our customers through broader network coverage and improved transaction performance.”

Bryan Jiang, General Manager Hong Kong of LianLian Global, said: “By leveraging the complementary strengths of our ecosystem partners in technology and compliance, Lianlian will continue to scale its global payment network and improve transaction efficiency. We remain committed to enhancing financial connectivity across global financial markets and delivering more efficient and reliable cross-border payment solutions for our customers.”

Founded in 2009 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2024 (2598.HK), Lianlian DigiTech is a China-based, globally focused digital payment company with increasingly integrated AI capabilities across its platform. Guided by its mission of “Connecting the world, Empowering global commerce,” the company focuses on developing a trusted and scalable financial infrastructure. As of the end of 2025, Lianlian DigiTech has built a cross-border payment network covering more than 100 countries and regions, serving over 10.4 million customers worldwide.

USI Money is a foreign exchange and international remittance service provider offering tailored cross-border financial solutions for businesses and individuals. With competitive real-time exchange rates and efficient execution as its core strengths, the company delivers fast, secure, and reliable global fund transfers.

In addition, Lianlian DigiTech co-hosted a networking session with Unlimit during the event, providing a forum for industry dialogue. The session brought together a broad group of fintech partners to explore collaborative models and help foster a more connected ecosystem.

Industry Roundtables: Unlocking Layered Collaboration in AI-Driven Cross-Border Payments and Advancing Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets

At the same time, Mark Ma and Bryan Jiang were invited to the themed roundtable discussions, where they shared insights drawn from industry practice and outlined new approaches to aligning fintech innovation with the global financial system.

At the roundtable on “Fintech and Banks,” Mark Ma noted that the global payment system is rapidly shifting from isolated capabilities to a layered, collaborative model. Banks continue to serve as the foundational infrastructure, responsible for clearing networks and liquidity management. Fintech firms like Lianlian, meanwhile, build on top of this foundation to deliver application-layer services for businesses, transforming complex cross-border payment channels into more accessible solutions that support a wider range of practical business scenarios. He also emphasized fintech’s growing role in compliance and value creation. By embedding risk controls and verification processes into technology workflows, fintech companies can act as compliance intermediaries, improving efficiency while filtering risk and enabling banks to operate more effectively at scale. Meanwhile, insights derived from transaction data and business flows allow for more precise evaluation of small and medium-sized businesses, shifting capital allocation from experience-based decisions to data-driven approaches and improving access to financial services.

At the roundtable titled “Different Worlds, Shared Challenges: Bridging Emerging Markets,” Bryan Jiang pointed out that the core of financial inclusion is shifting from scale of coverage to practical usability in everyday financial activity. The ability to serve underserved segments such as small and micro merchants and overseas workers in a sustained and reliable manner ultimately depends on continuous improvements in product design and operational capabilities. Using emerging markets as an example, Jiang explained that small and medium-sized businesses in these regions often face challenges such as difficult account setup, complex cross-border collections, high foreign exchange costs, and multi-layered tax requirements. Many existing solutions still follow traditional business-focused models, resulting in cumbersome KYB processes and lengthy review cycles that are misaligned with the asset-light, high-frequency, fast-turnover nature of these businesses. In response, Lianlian has lowered barriers to fund flows by offering local collection accounts, optimizing foreign exchange mechanisms, and improving settlement efficiency. The company has also restructured account architecture, streamlined review processes, and enhanced fund visibility, creating a more seamless and intuitive user experience that better aligns financial services with its clients’ business operations and day-to-day activities.

As digital technologies increasingly integrate with the real economy, innovations in AI and blockchain are reshaping the foundations of global financial services. Lianlian DigiTech has long invested in AI capabilities, global compliance, and the growth of its international service network. Its broad licensing coverage, regulatory track record, localized service capabilities, and technical reliability have earned the trust of regulators, customers, and partners worldwide.

Looking ahead, Lianlian DigiTech will continue to build on its cross-border expertise and compliance experience to further develop its AI capabilities and deepen collaboration with global partners. The company aims to extend its role beyond payment network services into more integrated financial infrastructure solutions. Lianlian DigiTech remains committed to serving as a trusted platform for global financial transactions in an increasingly digital environment, enabling businesses and individuals worldwide to access faster, more efficient, and more seamless cross-border financial services.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/lianlian-digitech-returns-to-money2020-asia-to-expand-partnerships-share-industry-trends-and-explore-ai-enabled-global-financial-infrastructure-302753667.html

SOURCE LianLian Global

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The Building & Furniture Category Highlights Sustainable and Human‑Centric Design at the 139th Canton Fair

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GUANGZHOU, China, April 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Phase 2 of the 139th Canton Fair has seen the Building & Furniture category emphasize green Infrastructure and human-centric design.

A major highlight of the building and decorative materials section is the introduction of photovoltaic marble-textured cladding. This innovative surfacing material bridges the gap between high-end aesthetics and renewable energy. Unlike traditional solar panels that rely on glass, this non-opaque cladding uses precise microscopic structures to guide light to internal PV cells.

This technology offers 60% higher efficiency than traditional transparent solar systems while reducing carbon emissions by over 50%. Its ability to reproduce stone, wood, or brick‑like 3D textures allows architects to integrate power generation into a wide range of building styles without the industrial appearance of traditional solar panels.

Indoor environments are also becoming smarter and safer. Manufacturers are showcasing high-efficiency antibacterial surfacing, utilizing visible light catalysis to provide 24-hour protection against mold and bacteria. These advanced decorative papers and panels are becoming the new standard for high-end interior decoration, prioritizing long-term hygiene in residential and commercial spaces.

The sanitary ware sector is increasingly focused on the aging global population and those with limited mobility. A standout innovation is the electric lift-and-rotate shower chair. Designed for the dry-wet separation bathroom layout, it allows users to sit in a dry area and be safely rotated and lifted into the shower via remote control. This waterproof, low-voltage system provides dignity and independence for the elderly while reducing the physical strain on caregivers.

Hygiene and ease of maintenance have also seen a breakthrough with wall-mounted toilets. By moving the lid connection to the tank wall and adopting a mortise‑and‑tenon structure, the design eliminates the hard‑to‑clean areas where bacteria typically accumulate. Many of these units also incorporate ergonomic grab bars directly into the frame, blending safety with a minimalist aesthetic.

In the sports and leisure industry, the shift toward sustainability is seen in non-infill synthetic turf. This next-generation football grass eliminates the need for rubber granules or sand, providing a natural touch and superior shock absorption while significantly reducing maintenance costs and microplastic pollution.

All these innovations demonstrate how the Building & Furniture sector is advancing toward greener materials, smarter functionality, and more human‑centered design, setting new benchmarks for the future of living spaces.

For pre-registration, please click: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-building–furniture-category-highlights-sustainable-and-humancentric-design-at-the-139th-canton-fair-302753654.html

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