Increasing Your Production Output III Embroidery Project

After developing your production schedule, physically separate out the garments to be sewn, based on your schedule. For example, let’s say the work order for Joe’s Restaurant contains polo shirts, aprons and caps. The polo shirts will be sewn using tubular hoops, (probably 15cm) the aprons with a clamping system and the caps using cap frames. So this work order actually has three separate jobs. Physically separate it into three groups of product. For smaller shops, invest in a large number of laundry baskets for sorting purposes. Make three copies of the work order and place one copy with each group in order to keep up with where they belong. Now repeat this process for the remaining work orders.

Once your work is staged, review the threads that will be needed for all of the jobs and install what you can on the machine(s). When production starts, keep looking ahead at the upcoming jobs and when possible, change out cones of thread while the machine is running. (However, do not try pulling the threads through until after the machine comes to a stop.)

In addition to proper production planning, the organization and layout of your shop will play a key role in keeping the work flowing efficiently. Hooping Station(s) within easy reach of the machines. Dedicated cleaning and finishing area. Tools located in the areas where they are most commonly used. Machines grouped together so that one operator can handle multiple machines. Threads are stored in a protected environment, but easy to locate by color. No matter how small your shop may be, proper production planning, processes and techniques will make a significant difference in your operational effectiveness. If you aren’t efficient you will lose money, as a proper pricing system ties into the output level of your shop. By implementing a logical system, you will be able to get more out of your machines without spending any money at all. Take the time to create a method that works for you.