Chapter 10 Developing Standards and Specs for Products Product Integrity Manner in which materials and other product aspects affect consumer satisfaction Internal integrity consistency among materials function and structure External integrity consistency between product performance and consumer expectations Standard and Specs Standards describe quality level for products ensure product consistency Specs include details for products describe exact characteristics performance levels and evaluation procedures Components product pieces sewn together treated as one piece in later production steps Sample product prototype made up examine material and process interactions Product specs and standards build on materials understanding Tolerances acceptable range of variation from specs Linking to Material Standards Specs Design modification or reengineering will not overcome material failure Materials performance influence pattern appearance fit and grading Made up for non apparel end uses Product Design Details features and characteristics of products Holistic perspective parts contribute to aesthetics of the whole Design standards fashion and aesthetics Design specs Also known as product specs or target specs Features and fabric motifs vary Technical terms differentiate details Identify dimensions materials and treatment for each feature Communication of Design Specs Digital format electronic files about product and product line shared among interested parties Product lifespan management PLM enables electronic communication of details about products throughout the supply chain Mass customization made to order approach for specific customers focus on size fit style material pattern and color Product Function Defines how well product does what it is designed to do Address performance requirements for end use Function or functional specs and standards ability to perform well for intended end use or to meet exceed advertising claims or guarantees Few standard test methods evaluate product performance Clo resistance to dry heat transfer provided by clothing amount of insulation necessary to maintain comfort under specified conditions Standards describe end use for product line Protective clothing designed to minimize injury during work and play Product Appearance For functional protective clothing identify procedure to evaluate performance Product Appearance Hanger appeal quality issues and performance dimensions Matching of design details and material motifs Required related to structural design scale and contrast Product symmetry Influence spreading and cutting Other factors seams and pleats hems topstitching etc Appearance standards emphasize how product looks from outside from near perspective Workmanship effect of materials and construction on appearance Engineering specs include standards to achieve desired level Appearance standards address function and appearance of closures Size Important length width depth circumference and vertical product dimensions Garment size company standard grouping of dimensions based on standard size chart Body scanning using reflected light to determine complex 3 D shape of human body used to Size specs more detailed dimensions tolerances and how to measure the product determine standard sizes Fit Product dimensions related to 3 D form or body relates to product features and body interactions relates to scale ease and size Addresses product drape on body side seam perpendicular to floor level hem etc Fit standards ease relates product features to body how product hangs on body reflect possibilities for figure shapes and identifies key elements for product Ease depends on product type materials used body portion and product design Garment or product balance point at which garment naturally rides on or drapes from body or form Tops coats and dresses balance from shoulder Pants skirts and other bottoms balance from waist Garment weight evenly distributed between garment front and back Way to combine parts components and materials describe general requirements Product Construction emphasize process Standards address details list minimums Specs identify process or construction requirements by name or designator Also known as engineering specs Include details specific stitch and seam type thread type seam allowance etc Product Finishing Procedures used to achieve final appearance Includes trimming threads pressing steaming turning products right side out Finishing any product processing step Standards address expectations for finishing processes Specs address procedures settings materials or ingredients used in finishing Zoning for Defects and Appearance Product zoning some product parts more important for appearance than other parts Highest priority zones areas most likely to be viewed during face to face conversations or most Zones prioritize and define product areas likely to be seen when using product Areas less visible assigned to next zone Packaging Less critical zones areas not seen by others Company defines defects by zone Manner in which products are transported shipped and presented Packaging standards describe general aspects Packaging specs describe materials and how to fold block and support product Packaging indicates number of products in box or container and labeling or product information attached to individual product packages boxes or cartons Specs and Standards Related to Product Cost and Quality Standards and specs impact cost Based on understanding of customer s performance and price expectations Need to ensure that low inconsistent quality products not accepted or shipped Costs of managing standards and specs related to business expenses to maintain consistent product quality Importance of labels Labeling is an important part of the information needed because the testing procedures ensure the information provided on labels and hangtags is accurate The manufacturer and retailer are responsible for ensuring that all information required by federal laws and regulations is accurate on the label Labeling requirements Point of sale Fiber content also usually sewn in or printed on TFPIA Permanently attached Care information Care Labeling Rule Textile Labeling Enforced by Federal Trade Commission Laws which regulate labeling of textile products Include apparel carpets rugs upholstery window coverings etc Textile Fiber Product Identification Act TFPIA was enacted and became effective March 3 1960 Became law in 1960 has been amended most recently