Lean Tools in Apparel Manufacturing

Book excerpt: The never-ending global search for a country with a low labour wage is almost bottoming out. The so-called labor-oriented apparel manufacturing industry is poised to change. Due to fierce global pressure on reducing price and lead time, the textiles and apparel producers will have to banish all waste from their supply chain. Lean manufacturing which removes waste and smoothens the process flow is gaining popularity among textiles and apparel producers and will be a key element for the survival of the industry in the years ahead. An overview of various lean tools with a balanced mix of conceptual knowledge and practical applications in the context of apparel manufacturing Valuable industry information which managers and engineers can follow themselves without the need to hire outside consultants Case studies and examples from apparel manufacturing demonstrating how lean tools are being used successfully by leading organizations; an academician's delight Possible use cases of several lean tools having potential use in the apparel manufacturing scenario