Pre-Production Planning in Garment Industry
Nikita Thakre
Marketing I.E. Officer at Pratibha Syntex, Indore
Email: nikitathakre602@gmail.com
What is Pre-Production Planning:
When a product is bulk produced, a meeting related to the manufacturing of that product is held before production in which some important decisions related to product manufacturing are taken. So that the problems arising during production can be eliminated and production can be done easily, this planning is called pre-production planning.
Pre-Production Planning in Garment Industry:
Pre-production planning is a very important process in garment industry in which certain processes have to be followed before bulk production such as sample development and approval, fabric and raw material testing, sourcing, costing, pattern making, process planning, pre-production. Sample making, approval, pre-production meeting. Bulk production starts only after pre-production meeting.
Process of pre-production planning in garment industry is point-out below:
1. Meeting with buyers:
The most important thing for the garment industry is order. For which there are merchandisers who bring orders for the company. There is a meeting between the merchandiser and the buyer in which the garment merchandiser represents the company. In this meeting there is discussion on topics like style, order quantity, quality, costing, delivering date etc. In which both the parties keep their own points. Also, there is negotiation regarding garment costing.
2. Development of initial samples for the buyer:
After meeting with the buyer, a first sample or initial sample was prepared. The designer of the company gives the design, and then if the buyer approves their design then the initial sample is developed according to it or if the buyer gives his own design then the sample is developed according to it. Then the sample is sent to the buyer. If the buyer approves the sample then the further process is followed or if the buyer makes any comments in the sample or wants to make any changes then the buyer sample is developed as per the comments of the buyer.
3. Complete cost of garment:
Garment costing is the most important parameter. Because the costing depends on the order, if the costing of the garment is less than the company will suffer loss or if it is high then the order will not be received. Therefore accurate costing should be done. Costing includes thread, fabric, trims, sewing cost, packing cost, shipping cost, labor cost, other expenses cost. Good costing strategy is the bedrock of a successful business.
4. Pattern making:
Pattern making is like drawing a map for making clothes. Instead of drawing roads and landmarks, you draw lines and shapes that show how to cut out pieces of fabric to make sure the clothes fit right and look the way you want them to. You use the pattern to cut out the fabric and then sew it together to create the clothing item. It’s like following a recipe to bake cake, but instead, you’re making clothes. Also we can say that it’s like making a special template or stencil for clothes. Once you have this template, you can use it over and over again to make lots of copies of the same piece of clothing. It’s like having a cookie cutter for making cookies-once you have the shape, you can use it to make as many cookies as you want.
5. Size set sample making:
Samples of all sizes are made to check whether the garment will fit the actual body type. How many size set samples will be made depends on the buyer’s requirements. Also, Samples of all sizes are also made to check the capability of the company. Generally S, M, Land2XL size samples are made. Which is called size set sample. Size set sample is made in sampling department or production floor as per buyer requirement. After that fit sample is sent to the buyer for approval.
6. Correction of size-set sample:
After making the size set sample, it is sent to the buyer. Buyer checks the sample, if any changes are to be made in it, he gives his comments and sends it back for correction, and otherwise the same size set sample is finalized.
7. Sample inspection process:
After approval of the size set sample, it is inspected and the shrinkage of the fabric is checked. Sample’s construction, quality, construction difficulties are checked. Samples should be made with constructions that are compatible for bulk productions. Apart from this, the pattern is also checked if any pattern is received from the buyer’s side to be followed. Otherwise same style pattern of same buyer is used as base pattern and patterns adjusted as per required spec.
8. Placing an order for fabrics, trims, accessories and packing materials:
After sample approval, fabric, trims, threads, accessories, and packing material are ordered.
9. Testing of fabric and raw material:
After the fabric and raw material is received, its testing should be done. After that it is sent for further processing.
10. Pre-production meeting:
In the garment industry, before the bulk production of any garment, a pre-production meeting is held in which production related planning is done. In this meeting production in charge, quality controller, line supervisor, technician, industrial engineer are involved. In this meeting, topics related to production and quality are discussed. How many machines will be used in production, how many operators will be there, line target, line efficiency, productivity, MMR are discussed?
Importance of Pre-Production Planning in Garment Industry:
Pre-production planning is a very important process for any industry because through planning we can deliver the finished product at the lowest production cost within expected delivery time frame.
- Pre-production planning is a very important step to increase productivity and reduce lead time.
- It is very important process to save money and time of production.
- Advanced production planning is also necessary to eliminate the difficulties that arise at the time of production.
- Pre-production planning is essential to understand the style completely.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, pre-production planning plays a vital role in the garment industry, ensuring smooth operations and timely delivery of high-quality products. From initial meetings with buyers to finalizing samples, assessing costs, and conducting through inspections, each step is crucial for success. By meticulously planning every aspect of production, businesses can enhance productivity, minimize costs, and overcome challenges efficiently. Ultimately, effective pre-production planning is the cornerstone of achieving optimal results in garments manufacturing, contributing to overall industry growth and sustainability.
References:
- https://www.textileblog.com/production-planning-and-control-in-garment-industry/
- https://textileengineering.net/functions-of-production-planning-and-control-in-garment-industry/
- https://www.onlineclothingstudy.com/2011/06/pre-production-processes-in-garment.html
You may also like:
- Pre-Production Meeting: Key of Production in Apparel Industry
- Stages and Levels of Production Planning and Control in Garment Industry
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. Mr. Kiron is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
