Process Choice

1
Process Choice

• Dr Neil Towers
• Fashion Operations Management

2
Considerations for Process Choice

• Volume
• Lead Time
• Choice of options
• Standardisation
• Response and flexibility of Service

3
Types of Choice

• Project
• Jobbing, Unit or One Off
• Batch
• Line
• Continuous

4
Project

• Complex network of activities
• Co-ordination of resources
• Tailoring, individuality
• Customer specification
• eg England Football Team Suits

5
Jobbing

• One-off garment
• High skill levels
• Design
• Garment technology
• Specialist knowledge
• Interpretation of customer demands
• E.g. Wedding Dress

6
Batch

• Similar process on a repeat basis
• Range of batch sizes
• Divide tasks between operations
• Coordination considerations
• E.g. High Street fashion

7
Line

• Process dedicated to customers needs
• Range width determines type of line
• Product life cycle concerns
• Commodity / Low Fashion products
• E.g. white tee shirt

8
Continuous Process

• Basic material passes through successive
  operations
• Technical process considerations
• Conversion to one or more products
• Volume considerations
• E.g. Dyeing and Colouration

9
Choice of Process

• Available inputs
• Production volume
• Raw material availability
• Organizations capability
• Required outputs to meet customer demands
• Cost vs service level
• Fashion and exclusivity

10
Inputs

• Physical resources
• eg Materials, labour and overheads
• Intellectual
• eg Innovation, creativity etc.

11
Outputs

• Products for retail
• Service provision

12
Work for next week

• For each different process choice write down an
  example of a garment. Explain why you have made
  each selection