Knowledge is king, while resources are complementary. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned entrepreneur in the garment industry, continuous learning in fashion and textiles is paramount.
To aid apparel entrepreneurs in expanding their technical expertise and networking within the global apparel supply chain, I’ve provided valuable links to resources that offer insights and connections crucial for success in the industry.
Entrepreneurs resources: Recommended Books
The following books are useful for understanding the apparel business, raw materials, business insights, and business processes. You can read these books to enhance your knowledge and build confidence in running your business with continuous growth.
1. Clothing Technology: … from Fibre to Fashion by Europa: A good book for newcomers and students. In this book, you will learn the basics of textile and fashion terms and their meanings from fibre to fashion.
2. The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing by Kathleen Fasanella: A must-read book for those who want to start a clothing line and start a business in garment manufacturing.
3. Managing Productivity in the Apparel Industry by Rajesh Bheda This book provides productivity data in the apparel industry and explains step by step guide to improve productivity.
4. Introduction to Work Study by ILO edited by George Kanawaty 4th Edition, A must-read book for work-study officers and Industrial Engineers.
6. Industrial Engineer’s Digest by Prasanta Sarkar
8. Industrial Engineering in Apparel Manufacturing: Practitioner’s Handbook by Prabir Jana and Manoj Tiwari
9. Garment Manufacturing: Processes, Practices and Technology by Prasanta Sarkar
10. Check Mome books published by OCS – I have published some books for apparel business entrepreneurs. Some books are available in eBook versions and print format.
11. Download-able Files/Templates (PDF Documents and Free eBooks)
Software and Technology for Sewn Product Entrepreneurs
After setting up the manufacturing business, you need information on technology solutions and software for managing the business.
In today’s era of IoT and digitalization, running a business smoothly often requires the integration of specific software technologies. The apparel industry, in particular, has seen significant advancements in various areas. To facilitate your business operations, I’ve compiled links to essential software tools that are indispensable in this industry. Successful businesses understand the importance of prioritizing robust systems to streamline their processes.
CAD systems for pattern making, grading, marker making, fabric consumption calculation
PLM systems to manage the product life cycle.
ERP systems for apparel manufacturing
Software to establish garment SAM: Tools and software to measure actual SMV of apparel products, and estimate labor cost.
Production planning software for apparel manufacturing companies. Fastreact provides highly visual capacity planning and management tools.
Real-Time Production Monitoring Systems An RFID-based real-time shop floor production monitoring system. This technology helps you to capture individual operator production data, lost time data, incentive amount, and line status in terms of balancing.
Useful Lists of the service providers, Supplier, and Buyers
Textile Testing Labs for testing fabric and garment quality standards. Testing is required to ensure the apparel product quality.
List of apparel brands – A list of 200-plus international apparel brands
List of garment manufacturers in India
Important sites, Organisations
- Apparel Export Promotion Council
- National Productivity Council
- ASTM D13 on Textiles
- Textile/Clothing Technology Corporation [TC2]
- Philip Crosby Associates
- American Apparel and Footwear Association
- Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), USA
- Better Work
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