I don’t know how I let this get away from me but I am about a month behind in posting the entries from this series. If you’ve arrived late to the party, this will be a great time to review the entries on lean manufacturing along with some analysis of Zara’s methods and operation. Tardily, here are the noteworthy entries from one year ago for the week of July 24-31 2005:
Lean Homework: The basics of what constitutes lean manufacturing principles. Ideally you’d read this before picking up the following entries, but do as you will.
Zara’s 300 designers: Zara definitely defines fast cycle time but they don’t have 300 designers as the article in the Economist claims. My entry disputes some of the claims made in the Economist while expanding on the explanation for how Zara operates as quickly as it does.
Zara and Lean Retail: If you think you want to emulate Zara’s retail model, you need to understand it first. This should be mandatory reading for anyone who plans to manufacture and retail.
Why American Apparel has the best line sheets: Miracle says that whether you love or hate American Apparel and Dov Charney, they have the best line sheets. She explains what’s good about theirs and the practices you might consider adopting for your own.
Wholesale Fabric Show: Not a pivotal entry, just included here to remind people to check out the AIBI in the Chicago area.
22692 Bagging Tutorial #1: Part one of a sewing tutorial I’d done last year; joining a jacket and lining entirely by machine.
22692 Bagging Tutorial #2: Part two of the above.
“Many new designers still fail to understand that they need to hire sales reps of their competitor’s products.”
Can you elaborate on this – posted in your “How to find a sales rep” posting. I am looking at showrooms and getting my product in one. I know of one that I love that shows my competitor. Should I be trying to get into that room or steal her away! ;)
“Many new designers still fail to understand that they need to hire sales reps of their competitor’s products.” Can you elaborate on this – posted in your “How to find a sales rep” posting.
I really wish I could but I have written on this specifically (and in reference to paranoia etc) quite extensively in my book. The problem with the blog is that I can elaborate on topics but I can’t replace my book with the blog and put everything from the book on my blog. Otherwise, people would have no reason to buy the book and book sales support the site so it’d be insanity for me to cannibalize my own sales. I’m sure you understand.