In continuation of its workshop series ‘Technology Forum 2015’, Apparel Resources held a highly appreciated workshop on ‘Implementing Lean Sigma in Apparel Manufacturing’ on 30-31 May 2015, at New Delhi. The workshop was focused on implementing Lean Sigma and best practices in the apparel industry. The two-day workshop was attended by representatives from many key players in the apparel industry, including BNT Connections, Impex Limited, Radnik Exports, Lectra Technologies, Pratibha Syntex Ltd. and Pearl Global Ind. Ltd.
The workshop conducted by Chandrark Karekatti, Head Projects and Training – Apparel Resources, presented a detailed roadmap on various aspects of lean manufacturing along with its implementation in garment factories. The concepts of Single Piece Flow, Just-in-Time, Continuous Improvement, Error Proofing, and Right First Time, among others, were explained in detail. The participants thoroughly enjoyed the fun-filled training session which included simulation exercise on lean setup and hands-on exercises on Value Stream Mapping and Workplace Management. The presentation also explained exactly how these tools and processes can be applied to apparel industries. The concept of best practices that help transform factories into world class manufacturing facilities was also discussed.
In another session Chandrark focused on a structured approach to ‘Quality Improvement Process’ through FMEA, cause effect matrix and top down charting. The thought process of the delegates was brushed up through detailed discussion on ‘How to improve the quality and reduce the cost of poor quality’. The key advantages of a Lean Sigma Processes, like reduced nonconformance, improved workplace, defect perception standardization, improved process flows, systems and MIS were discussed. A structured cost-benefit analysis was also presented on the benefits to overall business.
The second half of the forum was focused on inputs on the pressing requirement of factories in reducing style changeover time by implementing Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED). Hand on implementation exercises on use of Andon, Poka-Yoke, Flow Manufacturing and TPM in apparel manufacturing was also demonstrated.
The ‘Technology Forum 2015’ is a part of the workshop series that addresses key challenges for the apparel industry. It was well received by the industry participants, and on the second day of the two-day workshop sensing the clamouring demand, Apparel Resources announced the repeat of the same on 13th and 14th of June 2015. A real transition of the industry from ‘I know it all’ to learning with experts and through sharing… especially on Saturdays and Sundays says it a lot.
