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If you work in the garment industry or liaise with offshore manufacturers, you may have noticed that the terms "factory-ready" and "production-ready" are often used interchangeably. However, treating these two concepts as identical can lead to significant misunderstandings in the manufacturing process.
Drawing on insights from an experienced tech pack designer, this article breaks down the vital differences between a document ready for sampling and one ready for bulk manufacturing.
1. The "Factory-Ready" Tech Pack: The Blueprint
A "factory-ready" tech pack is the starting point. While it is sufficient to submit to a factory for the purpose of creating samples, it is not enough for bulk production.
It is helpful to view a factory-ready pack as a "raw" document or a blueprint rather than a definitive "bible". At this stage, the design is still theoretical. As the designer notes, aspects such as fabric behaviour, specific sewing methods, and the final fit cannot be perfectly predicted on paper.
2. The Iterative Process
The transition from factory-ready to production-ready requires collaboration. Once a factory receives the initial pack, they may suggest different constructions, fabrics, or manufacturing approaches based on what works best in practice.
Consequently, a tech pack requires refinement and revisions. Whenever a revision is made during the sampling process, the tech pack must be updated to reflect these changes.
3. The "Production-Ready" Tech Pack: The Locked Standard
A tech pack only becomes "production-ready" after it has survived multiple rounds of sampling and refinements. It is the final result of the development process.
At this stage, all critical variables are confirmed and locked for bulk production, including:
• Measurements
• Materials
• Construction details
• Tolerances
The Key Takeaway
In the opinion of industry experts, no tech pack is inherently ready for bulk production from day one. The status of being "production-ready" is earned through multiple iterations. Understanding this evolution from a raw blueprint to a locked standard is essential for successful garment production.
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