Production problems can be tough to deal with. It gets even harder when your supplier sends bad products, and you've already paid for them.

Fashion PLM software and good tech packs can really help you avoid problems. They make fashion production easier and lead to better results.

In this article, we’ll talk about how to dodge common mistakes and make your processes better with Fashion PLM software. A lot of Fashion Brands don’t know this type of software is available. At Lifecycle, we aim to help all fashion brands set up their operations in a way that’s easy to scale and helps brands stay organized.

1. Not Crafting Detailed Tech Packs for Better Communication

Tech packs are vital for communicating design details and specifications to your supplier. They ensure every aspect of the product, from measurements to materials, is clear, leaving no room for errors in interpretation. Including details about construction, trims, and tolerances helps suppliers understand exactly what you need. A well-prepared tech pack in some sense, acts as a contract, holding the supplier accountable for delivering what was agreed upon.

Core Elements of Tech Packs in Fashion Design and Tech Packing:

• Design Guidelines: Detailed 2D flats and 3D models created using fashion-focused tools like as Adobe Illustrator or Clo3D.

• Measurements and Tolerances: Exact sizing helps maintain consistency and reduces errors in fashion production. Including tolerances indicates acceptable variations, preventing disputes over minor faults.

• Materials and Trims: Clearly outline the types of fabrics, zippers, buttons, and other components required. This prevents the use of substandard materials that could compromise the final product’s quality.

• Construction Details: Specifications on stitching, seams, and assembly instructions ensure that the garment is constructed as intended. This section often includes information on special techniques, like French seams or reinforced hems.

Tech packing isn’t just about providing information; it’s about ensuring that the message is crystal clear.

A solid tech pack helps avoid mix-ups that can lead to expensive mistakes. It also helps you set quality standards. That's why it’s key for successful fashion production.

2. Not using a Fashion PLM for Streamlined Collaboration

PLM software brings all parties together on a unified platform, reducing the chances of communication breakdowns during fashion production.

With PLM being centralized, everyone on the team—like designers and suppliers—can see the latest updates and specs. This cuts down on errors in communication.

PLM helps teams work together better. Everyone knows what they need to do and can see how the project is going at any time.

Benefits of Fashion PLM in Collaboration:

• Version Control: Keeps all parties updated with the latest changes, avoiding outdated instructions that can lead to mistakes. With PLM, you can track who made changes and when, adding accountability to the process.

• Real-Time Feedback: Allows for instant adjustments, approvals, and collaborative problem-solving. This makes decisions faster and cuts down the time from idea to making the product.

• Sample Tracking: Helps monitor the progress of samples, ensuring the product meets your standards before mass production. By logging sample feedback directly in the PLM system, you can create a record that guides future improvements.

PLM tools help teams work better together. They let suppliers share feedback on design ideas. This can make production smoother and avoid surprise problems later on.

This two-way communication makes your process more agile, allowing you to respond quickly to market demands.

3. Fashion Sampling: Not Conducting Thorough Sampling Rounds

Sampling in the fashion world is a vital component of the quality assurance process. Leveraging PLM to monitor this procedure guarantees a rigorous testing of your products prior to full-scale production.

Sampling rounds include proto samples, pre-production samples, and top-of-production samples, each serving a unique purpose in quality assurance. The feedback loop established during these rounds is crucial for identifying potential production challenges early.

Key Fashion Sampling Stages:

• Proto Samples: Test the initial design and fit. These samples are essential for verifying that your design concept works in reality, allowing adjustments before any significant investment in materials.

• Pre-Production Samples (PPS): The final sample before production starts; used to approve the design for manufacturing. PPS are critical checkpoints where you can make final adjustments, ensuring everything aligns with the tech pack.

• Top of Production (TOP) Samples: A sample from the first production run to confirm that standards are met. This sample acts as a benchmark for the entire production run, helping to catch quality issues early.

Fashion PLM software allows you to log measurements, comments, and feedback from each sampling stage, ensuring any issues are flagged and addressed promptly. Documenting the process prevents errors in communication and ensures a high quality end result.

4. Not Implementing Quality Control Measures Embedded in PLM Systems

Even with detailed tech packs and thorough sampling, ongoing quality control is essential. PLM systems can embed quality checks throughout the production process, making sure your product standards are upheld from start to finish. With PLM, you can set up reminders and tasks that guide your team through each inspection phase, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Effective PLM-Driven Quality Control in Fashion Production:

• Pre-Production Inspections: Review the initial production runs to catch defects early. These inspections can be scheduled directly within your PLM, aligning your quality control processes with your production timeline.

• In-Line Inspections: Regular checks during production ensure consistent quality. In-line inspections help catch issues as they occur, minimizing waste and reducing rework.

• Final Inspections: Comprehensive reviews before shipping, aligning with the tech pack standards. These inspections are the last line of defense against poor-quality products reaching your customers.

Using PLM to include quality control measures helps you see production quality at every step. This way, you can spot issues before they get worse. Documenting each step creates a clear record, which is super helpful when you’re dealing with different suppliers in various places.

5. Tackling Production Issues: Practical Steps to Resolution

If you find yourself facing production issues, staying calm and seeking a resolution quickly is key. Use your PLM system to document issues and communicate clearly with your supplier, suggesting practical solutions such as rework, partial refunds, or discounts on future orders. If negotiations are challenging, consider engaging local experts who understand the market dynamics and can mediate effectively.

How best to resolve Production Challenges:

1. Stay Calm: Focus on finding a solution rather than assigning blame.

2. Clear Communication: Use PLM to keep records and provide clear feedback to your supplier.

3. Seek help from Fashion Software experts: An expert can facilitate better communication and resolution. You can book a call with us and we can see if Lifecycle PLM may help ease your production and development process.

6. Not Implementing Continuous Improvement and Prevention

Every production issue is an opportunity to refine your process. Leverage the data from your Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system to pinpoint persistent issues and initiate preventive measures. You should also regularly update your tech packs, improve sampling procedures, and adjust quality control measures to avoid repeated mistakes.

Preventative Actions:

• Vet Suppliers Thoroughly: Ensure they have a track record of quality.

• Detailed Documentation: Update tech packs regularly to eliminate confusions or unclear aspects.

• Proactive Quality Checks: Use your PLM to track and enforce quality standards.

Conclusion

Fashion PLM and detailed tech packs are essential tools in managing production effectively. By leveraging these systems, you can avoid the common pitfalls that lead to poor-quality products and costly delays. With clear communication, thorough sampling, and proactive quality control, you’ll not only safeguard your production process but also build stronger, more reliable supplier relationships. Use PLM to stay on top of every aspect of fashion production, from design to delivery, and transform potential setbacks into opportunities for growth. Lifecycle is just one of the PLMs on the market today, and offers a more simple, affordable, and innovative approach to Fashion Software than most of it's competitors.