The learning and implementation Community( ‘The Community’) is a group of 36 garment brands and retailers from Europe and the UK, committed to taking new actions in improving purchasing practices. The primary objective of the Community is to learn from experts, manufacturers and peer brand, and to wok together with supply chain partners, in order to make practical improvements in the purchasing practices.
LIC’s work is structured around the Common Framework for Responsible Purchasing Practices, which includes most of STTI's recommendations in their 'White Paper’.In September 2023,the discussion was focused on Collaborative Production Planning. During a manufacturer’s preparatory meeting on September 18th,5 practical suggestions were shared for manufacturers as they discuss improvements in production planning with their customers.
These were:
- Limitting the number of free prototypes.
- Matching the price to the number of minutes required, based on garment complexity.
- Engaging nominated fabric suppliers for discussions and exploring alternative options if the price is too high.
- Clarifying tech packs and offering technical support before making samples.
- Balancing orders by establishing good communication and open discussion in order to find solutions.
Three days later, on September 2lst, a constructive online meeting between buyers and suppliers was held, with over 50 individuals attending from each group. During the meeting, a panel discussion involving buyers and manufacturers gave concrete suggestions for both sides. Several ideas were offered，including streamlining the sign-off procedure,integrating the critical path into business operations, spreading production across a wider period, and using digital colour approval, etc.
A brief survey during the meeting showed that several brands were already initiating efforts to improve production planning collaboratively with supply chain partners and increase internal critical path adherence.Some brands had implemented specific suggestions such as sharing forecasts 9 months and 3 months before production, to foster closer communication with suppliers，enable suppliers to plan and purchase materials with confidence and to reduce last-minute changes.Other practices mentioned included having a checklist of information that must be included in tech packs,to ensure they are as accurate and complete as possible, and then discussing the tech pack with suppliers before it is confirmed.
Following the meeting,a summary list of ideas with actionable suggestions to improve production planning will be shared with all manufacturers who participated, so that they can share it with their customers outside of the Community, to initiate conversations to improve purchasing practices. |
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