Global Supply Chain in the Apparel Industry

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International distribution systems:

- Manufacturing (domestically), Distribution (overseas)

International suppliers:

- Raw materials and components (foreign suppliers), Final assembly & manufacturing (domestically)

Offshore manufacturing:

- Product is sourced and manufactured in a single foreign location

- Product is shipped back to domestic warehouses for sale and distribution

Fully integrated global supply chain:

- Products are supplied, manufactured and distributed from factories located throughout the world

- In a truly global supply chain, it may appear that the supply chain was designed without regard to national boundaries

- Garment Production Systems

Depending on different companies’ values, comforts and cost, there are different production systems their products can undertake. Some of these production systems include:

Make Through System – this method is undertaken in a small factory, and frequently one or two people make the entire garment from start to finish, meaning there needs to be exceptionally skilled labour in order to avoid mistakes.

Progressive Bundle System – the parts are tied as a bundle and passed on from worker to worker; each one will only complete one operation. This method could entitle a big factory with a lot of production or on the contrary, very small. Operators have to be extremely skilled in their specific operation.

Section Production System – this method is carried out in bundles as well, just as progressive bundle system; however this focuses on different sections i.e. a specific operator making all the collars, or all the cuffs. This method is better utilisation of time and takes more advantage of the labour.

Modular Production System – this method enables all the machinery to be together and the operators use different machines and carry out different operations. This method makes the most of working as a team in the fact.