AUTOMATION IN APPAREL PRODUCTION Opportunities AND Challenges FOR Improving Efficiency

Abstract

Apparel Production involves designing, preparing materials, cutting, sewing, finishing, checking, packing AND shipping. If any part OF this process is delayed or has an issue it can cause delays, increased WIP, rework AND late deliveries. Due to customers wanting shorter lead times, reliable quality, traceability AND competitive pricing, many manufacturers are looking at technology to improve their production systems. Automation is the use OF equipment, software AND controls to reduce manual involvement. In Apparel Production this can range from basic programmable sewing machines to fully computerised cutting, spreading, digital work instructions, tracking AND analytics. Automation does not always mean fully automated factories. Many systems will support staff by reducing repetitive handling, increasing information flow AND providing stable conditions IN the process. Automation IN the apparel industry can be challenging due to the nature OF the fabric. Fabrics are soft, flexible AND often slick. Garment styles can vary IN shape AND construction AND fashion can cause frequent changes to the product mix. This means solutions to automate simple AND repeat processes may struggle to implement on complex seams or small batches with lots OF variation. Often automation IN the industry is done IN stages. Practical Implication: Define what automation means FOR your factory. What processes AND