Time compression in production and distribution within the textile‐apparel chain

This paper offers a framework in order to examine the temporal sequences of the activities and decisions of the textile apparel chain and to present the prospects for improvement initiatives throughout the various production and distribution chain phases, whether in terms of technology or of organisation and management. This paper focuses on the methods, techniques and approaches that could be adopted throughout the entire chain in order to obtain a set of coherent improvements to achieve quick response (QR). The fundamental improvement stages are considered to be: reduction of lead times in supplying fabric; reduction of lead times in producing a garment; and innovative relationships with the distributors. The structural and infrastructural changes required for a QR approach are also analysed, and the need for a systemic view of the chain is highlighted.