Outlined below is an example around how the process from 'Original Design' to 'Approval to Ship Production' could be amended with the desired outcome being a Time Efficient and Comprehensive System that all users understand and apply consistently.
DESIGN SKETCH
Key measurements which influence the design should be included on or with the original Design Sketch.
FIT SESSIONS
Regular days for development fittings should have fixed dates built into the Season Calendar.
Manufacturers to be advised of those days so they know when samples must delivered be ready for fitting.
Time should be allocated to Fit only the styles that will go into the range.
Spend more detailed time on evaluating each style at this stage.
Measure each garment before the Fit Session.
Any garments whose measurements are too far from specification should not be fitted but returned to suppliers.
Consideration should be made of using the same fit model at each development session with identical foundation garments being worn at each session.
The Team should clearly Clarify the roles of each person attending in the review session :
The Design Team should record all style related comments.
The Garment Technologists should record all fit related and other technical comments.
The Buyer will understand the implications of review decisions on cost/delivery
Note taking may need further discussion and comparison where there are likely to be a variety of significant views !
WHITE or FIRST DEVELOPMENT SEAL
Instil in the Team the discipline that once the sample moves from this stage the Design has been approved and no further Design changes are to be made.
Check the visual appearance on its selling hanger for approval at this stage.
GOLD or BUYERS APPROVAL SEAL.
This is primarily a Garment Technology sign off that the product is ready for Production Sample Approval
Pre production samples are not to be requested.
If the sample needs further work or re Gold Sealing it remains in this zone until finally sealed and is ready for production.
BLACK or APPROVAL of FACTORY PRODUCTION SEALS
Garment Technology should need a review only prior to presentation to the Buyers – referral by exception
Garments do not need to be fitted by this stage.
Critical measurements only need to be taken.
Samples only need to be sent to the Central Buying Office. Paper work should not be needed.
Buyers should action the authorisation codes releasing the product into production.