Fashion and textiles product technologist

Knowledge: Product Technologists have knowledge and understanding of:

Supply chain and customer base:

• Different customer requirements e.g. quality standards, product finish, timescale
• Brand standards and ethics 
• The supply chain; management systems and considerations e.g. sourcing methods service level agreements, problem solving, availability of materials, late deliveries, cost increases

Materials used in production:

• The properties, behaviour and characteristics of raw materials
• Fabric and trim analysis to meet design briefs e.g. the function, performance, aesthetics 
• Contingency planning e.g. alternative materials, buttons, trim
• Testing of materials for suitability in relation to design and function e.g. tension, compression, bending, durability, ductility, impact, creep, wash and fatigue tests
• Product labelling e.g. regulations, care, size, fibre content

 The product and production process:

• Production and material costs
• Industrial machines and other equipment relevant to the production of products including specialist machinery e.g. cover stitch machines, buttonholers, jigs, blind hemmers,
• Different manufacturing, procurement and distribution methods
• Plan production schedules and workloads to meet targets and deadlines
• The end- to-end main product production process (pattern production, cutting, manufacturing, quality checking, packing and distribution
• The product life cycle e.g. the period over which an item is developed, brought to market and eventually removed from the market
• Continual improvement in relation to product and production processes
• Critical path management processes relevant to product production

Working practices:

• Review and evaluation of product designs e.g. style, feasibility, cost, fit, size, body shape, foot mechanics 
• Product specifications, quality and compliance requirements
• Pattern production, sizes, grading and cutting techniques e.g. pattern drafting, sizing, lay planning
• Manufacturing techniques e.g. assembly sequence, construction methods
• Different types of product samples e.g. fit, samples proto samples, production samples
• The sample analysis and review process e.g. fit sessions, user trails, measurements, design and pattern assessment
• Sample sealing systems e.g. blue, silver, gold seal
• Risk assessment processes e.g. risk related to safety, colour, cost, time, process
• Critical path management e.g. managing production deadlines, timescales and target setting
• Overseas manufacturing implications e.g. lead times, minimum quotes, costs, legislation
• Returns and faults analysis and the impact of faulty products on future business
• Logistics and distribution systems e.g. costs, storage, shipping, legislation
• Information Technology (IT) and administration systems used e.g. tracking systems, production management systems, CAD/CAM (Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing)

Quality assurance procedures:

• Quality standards and specifications for production e.g. seam types, stitch types, tolerances, product finish
• Fault finding, diagnosis and rectification procedures e.g. poor fit, sizing, construction or finish 
• Quality approval systems and control processes e.g. Inspection of materials and products during production, checks against specifications, spot checks, end checks
• International and British quality standards in relation to the manufacture of products e.g. British Standard Institute (BSI), International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO)

Communication:

• Communication techniques, across all levels and departments involved in the sales, manufacturing and distribution process
• Technical documents/records and electronic systems and the consequence of incorrectly completed records e.g. tech-packs, specifications, tracking, review notes, product history

Policies and procedures:

• Health, safety, welfare and environmental policies, safe working practices and risks relevant to a sewn product working environment 
• Employer and employee legal obligations, employees’ rights and responsibilities, equality and diversity
• Legislation and regulations import regulations, safety regulations, trade regulations, duties and tariffs

Skills: Product Technologists can:

Develop and review samples:

• Analyse, evaluate and cost the production of given designs and identify possible constraints
• Develop samples that meets design, end use and specifications.
• Contribute to fit sessions and production meetings
• Analyse product samples with focus on quality, fit , risk and production processes e.g. size, shape, materials, timescales and costs
• Carry out product risk assessments e.g. safety, colour, cost, time, fitness for purpose, production process
• Approve samples and allocate sample seal if appropriate, maintaining a complete history of the sealing process 
• Oversee material and product tests and analyse test results e.g. performance, function, wash, wearer/user trials

Support production

• Develop product tech-packs e.g. specifications, working drawings, measurements, labelling, quality standards, tolerances, materials 
• Ensure legislation and regulation requirements are met e.gimport regulations, safety regulations, trade regulations

Deal with product faults and returns

• Conduct product reviews on returned products
• Analyse product returns and identify potential solutions e.g. change materials,  re-cut pattern
• Complete analysis reports 

Quality Assurance

• Manage quality problems and eradicate potential issues e.g. fabric, trim, construction faults 
• Contribute to the solution of production issues e.g. thread breakage, missing components
• Work with the warehouse and distribution systems and processes to ensure, safe, punctual delivery of products

Communicate effectively:

• Use relevant communication systems and accurately complete work records

Behaviour: Product Technologists:

• Take ownership and accept of responsibility for product technology work
• Strive to improve product quality, production processes and production systems
• Are responsive to changing priorities and requirements of the product industry, demonstrating initiative, confidence and self-motivation
• Work positively as part of a team, taking account of equality and diversity 
• Build effective internal and external working relationships, networking across all levels and departments
• Have a methodical and calm approach to workplace pressure, deadlines and production demands
• Are assertive, resilient and confident when communicating views and ideas that will benefit the product design and manufacturing process
• Are reflective on skills, knowledge and behaviours and seek opportunities to develop and advance skills in response to the evolving production environment and technologies
• Have a safety first attitude, ensuring the safety of self and others as appropriate in a sewn product manufacturing environment