If you have been looking for an opportunity to work in the garment industry, this one is for you! One of the most important, rapidly growing and evolving industries in India and the world, it offers tons of avenues for success. Learn about the role of management in this industry through this blog.

If you have a penchant for organising and planning, you could find your place in this industry as a production manager. The garment industry’s success relies on efficient organisation and streamlining of several independent processes and stakeholders. So, the role of management in this field is of considerable significance.

This blog will take you through the importance of management in the garment industry, the roles and responsibilities of a production manager, and how to become one.

The Importance of Management in the Apparel Industry

Here is why apparel industry management is of critical importance:

Coordination and Communication

The functioning of the apparel industry involves effective coordination of various activities, including design, sourcing, production, and distribution. A well-managed garment operation is characterised by quick communication and seamless coordination across these sectors. This will ensure high-quality results and consumer satisfaction.

Cost-Effective Processes

Proper planning ensures that results are produced cost-effectively. Management also involves using physical, human and financial resources in an optimal combination to facilitate cost reduction. Enhancing production processes also leads to minimal waste generation.

Quality Control

The highly-competitive nature of the garment industry means producing extremely high-quality results to stay on top. Well-structured management processes make sure that quality standards are met. Moreover, they provide the opportunity to identify and address defects.

Adaptability

One of the roles of management is enabling the organisation’s survival in an evolving environment. As the garment industry is constantly changing, with new textile trends, materials and production techniques emerging frequently, good management is necessary to allow the organisation to keep up and adapt to these changes.

It also allows for adopting new techniques and processes, which ensure the organisation’s growth.

Streamlined Operations

Source: Freepik

Well-executed management results in the arrangement and organisation of the factors of production and resources, which minimises wastage of time, money and effort. Group efforts are efficiently controlled and directed toward the achievement of pre-determined goals.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Production Manager

Now that we have established the importance of apparel management let us look into the roles of a production manager.

Planning and Meeting Targets

The production manager plans the several processes that go into producing material. They also compare the actual performance with the planned performance and rectify shortcomings, if any.

If targets are met, then it indicates efficient operations that utilise all plant facilities to their full potential are in place. If this is not the case, then the production manager evaluates the whole process and introduces necessary changes.

They also coordinate with other departments and adjust schedules accordingly to meet production targets.

Leadership

Source: Freepik

The production manager is responsible for maintaining an agreeable working environment. They need to ensure the well-being of all the employees under their supervision and ensure the employees’ goals align with those of the organisation.

They also need to make sure that the production staff has the necessary resources and capabilities to fulfil their duties. This will promote productivity.

Meeting Deadlines

An efficient production manager should be able to ship orders out on time. They need to plan and organise production schedules to be able to meet customer deadlines and demands.

Maintaining Accurate and Updated Records

The functional manager should have the necessary skills to maintain production control records and make sure that they are accurate and up-to-date. This will allow them to provide reliable information to customers and stakeholders regarding delivery dates, schedules, and operating problems.

Coordinating with the Designer

One of the responsibilities of the production manager in garment industry is acting as a liaison between the designer and the fabric. They work closely with the designer to decide delivery dates, deadlines and bookings.

They also supervise the sampling of garments and communicate design changes, if any.

Compliance

The process of textile production is subject to a range of regulatory and compliance requirements, like labour laws, health and safety regulations, and environmental standards. A significant role of textile management is ensuring that these requirements are met and that the business operates in a socially responsible and sustainable manner.

Skills that a Production Manager Needs

Source: Freepik

Here are some skills and interests that every production manager:

• Multi-tasking
• Agile and open to collaboration
• Possess IT skills
• Efficient management of budgets
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Positive attitude and ability to motivate a team

How to Become a Production Manager

To become a production manager, obtaining a relevant degree from a reputed institution is the perfect first step to take. Consider pursuing a degree in fields like fashion design, textiles, and merchandising.

This will establish a solid foundation of knowledge in this domain and give you an edge in the business world. Opting for a postgraduate degree will enhance your skill set and understanding of the concepts in this industry.

JD Institute of Fashion Technology offers the PG Diploma in Fashion Design and Business Management, one of the best and most comprehensive postgraduate programs in this field. A brilliant mix of theory and practice, it equips students to expand their creative scope. It also develops presentation, entrepreneurial and marketing skills.

Once you have acquired the relevant skills, you need to develop them through attending workshops, internships, and learning from experienced professionals in the industry. This will also provide you with industrial exposure and prepare you for a professional career.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the role of management is critical to the functioning of the garment industry. By fulfilling their various responsibilities, the production managers ensure the smooth running of the entire process, from the procurement of raw materials to the shipment of the finished products.

As there are several opportunities for innovation and growth, it is prudent to take advantage of these and enter the garment industry as a production manager.