Performance Optimization in Apparel Industry

A.K.M. Ratul Hasan
B.Sc. in Textile Engineering
Primeasia University
Email: akmratulhasan@gmail.com

What is Optimization?
The action or process of making the best or most effective use of a situation or resource. In this article I will discuss about process optimization and its steps and performance of optimization in apparel industry.

What is Process Optimization?
Process optimization is the practice of enhancing organizational efficiency through process improvement. It is done to accomplish business goals. While there are many ways to implement process optimization, the main gist is that you can lower costs and maximize outputs.

As such, business process optimization is a quantitative tool that aids in better decision-making. There are three fundamental organizational places where optimization can be achieved, including:

A. Equipment optimization: This helps verify that existing tools are being used optimally. This also includes technological tools and ensuring data is accurate and useful. Here, businesses may discover bottlenecks to be fixed.

B. Operating procedures: Procedures and processes vary based on the people working, the day, and more. One of the best ways to optimize operating procedures is to use automation. When implementing automation to improve processes, everyone must be on the same page.

C. Control optimization: Many control loops manage one aspect of a process within a company. If each control loop is not at its optimal setting, then it negatively impacts the entire chain of events. The process of optimizing controls can significantly lower overall costs and maximize output.

5 Steps for Process Optimization:
To start process optimization in your business, follow these five steps:

1. Identify/map it out:
To know what you have to improve, you first must identify the places for improvement. You can use process mapping to do so. While outlining processes, you can utilize your team and those involved in the daily operations to help pinpoint where challenges exist. You should focus on one issue at a time.

2. Rethink:
‍Business process optimization can be achieved through the usage of existing resources. You may have everything you need to implement changes. It could just require some rethinking or creative problem-solving. If you find that you are missing tools that can help solve the issue, then consider adding to your tool stack. While this is an upfront cost, you can make a case for the extended benefits that come along with making the change.

3. Analyze:
Plan the “to be” process. You’ll want to develop an action plan that outlines the boundaries, defines objectives, and establishes a team who will be responsible for implementing the change. At this same time, you should describe how you will measure success by defining KPIs (key performance indicators). For example, if you plan to implement an automation tool like SolveXia to help manage financial processes like reconciliations, you can measure success by comparing the time it takes to complete automatically versus manually.

4. Automate:
Automation is likely to come into play when you are optimizing processes. This is because it’s one of the best ways to lower costs and improve efficiency. You can use automation to manage repetitive and time-consuming tasks. With the automation of data entry tasks, as one example, you will notice a decrease in errors that often occur at the hands of humans. Business automation software can help to: maintain records, store data, match data, send notifications, track records, and more. Automated workflows also help to enhance employee satisfaction as they are removed from low-level tasks and can focus instead of high-level analytical duties.

5. Monitor:
‍Process optimization is continuous. This means that after any change or optimization has been made, it should be tracked and monitored for success or downfalls. One way to easily monitor processes with automation tools is by relying on reports and live-time dashboards.

Practical Example of Performance of Optimization in Apparel Industry:

Pocket raw edge cut development

Pocket corner cut helper remove (capacity wastage remove)

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Mazharul Islam Kiron

Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. He is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.