Simfactory – A Computerised Coaching System for Sewing Line Management I

In the context of garment sewing lines, the frontline managers and supervisors often make decisions based on their own experience, which lead to unsatisfactory results from time to time. Because of above, this project aims at developing a computerized coaching system for them to apply industrial engineering techniques, key performance indicators (KPIs) and “what-if” analysis to: - improve the understanding of sewing line dynamics for better production planning and control; - master the sewing line information flow for optimization of manpower and machine resources; - enrich the sewing line management knowledge for shortening of learning cycle and reduction of associated costs. Virtual sewing lines will be simulated based on the real factories owned by 3 good performers in the apparel industry. Their management know-how is so successful that their good practices are worthwhile to be shared and learned by the peers, especially for the SMEs. This computerized coaching system is not a stand-alone product. Coaching in the virtual sewing lines can offer higher flexibility in terms of coaching location and class size. It will also be extended to on-site application to ensure that the frontline management personnel are able to transfer the classroom learning back to the real sewing lines.