An export garment order passes through many departments. Knowing the whole flow helps every engineer see how their work affects delivery.
1. Order and merchandising
The buyer confirms style, quantity, price and delivery date. Merchandising books fabric and trims and creates the time and action (T&A) calendar.
2. Sampling and development
Fit, size-set and pre-production (PP) samples are made and approved. IE prepares the operation bulletin with operations, SAM and machines, and checks the costing SAM.
3. Fabric and trims
Fabric is inspected (often the 4-point system), tested for shrinkage and shade-sorted. Trims are checked against the approved sample.
4. Cutting
Markers are planned for maximum fabric use, fabric is spread and cut, then parts are numbered and bundled. Printing or embroidery happens here if needed.
5. Sewing
Bundles go to the sewing lines. IE sets the line layout, allocates operators, balances the line and follows hourly production. Inline and end-line QC check quality.
6. Washing (for denim and some knits)
Garments are washed for look and handfeel, then checked for shade and measurements.
7. Finishing
Thread trimming, ironing, final inspection, tagging and folding.
8. Packing and shipment
Garments are packed by the buyer's ratio, the buyer's QA does the final inspection (AQL), and goods are shipped.
| Stage | Key IE / planning input |
|---|---|
| Development | Operation bulletin, SAM, machine list |
| Cutting | Cut plan, fabric consumption |
| Sewing | Line layout, allocation, targets, balancing |
| Finishing | Manpower plan, output per hour |
Tip: A delay at any stage uses up time from the stages after it. Planning backwards from the shipment date shows the latest date each stage must finish.