Lean or agile: A solution for supply chain management in the textiles and clothing industry?

The textiles and apparel industry has been neglected in terms of supply chain management research. Recently, the industry has undergone a great deal of change, particularly with global sourcing and high levels of price competition. In addition, textiles and clothing has market characteristics, such...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of operations & production management 2004-01, Vol.24 (2), p.151-170
Main Authors: Bruce, Margaret, Daly, Lucy, Towers, Neil
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Clothing industry
Employment
Lean manufacturing
Product development
Studies
Supply chains
Textile industry
Textiles
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Summary:The textiles and apparel industry has been neglected in terms of supply chain management research. Recently, the industry has undergone a great deal of change, particularly with global sourcing and high levels of price competition. In addition, textiles and clothing has market characteristics, such as short product lifecycle, high volatility, low predictability, and a high level of impulse purchase, making such issues as quick response of paramount importance. This article discusses characteristics of the textiles and apparel industry and identifies the perspectives of lean, agile and leagility (a combination of these) within existing supply chain literature, which have been proffered as solutions to achieving quick response and reduced lead times. Through case studies of textile and apparel companies, different approaches to supply chain management are illustrated.
ISSN:0144-3577
1758-6593
DOI:10.1108/01443570410514867