What is the Responsibility of Quality Department in Garment Industry?

The Garments Quality Team plays a critical role in ensuring that the products manufactured meet the required standards of quality before they are delivered to customers. Their responsibilities encompass various stages of the production process, from raw material inspection to the final product evaluation.

Here's a detailed breakdown of their duties and responsibilities:

1. Raw Material Inspection

Fabric Inspection: Checking the fabric for defects such as color variations, holes, tears, stains, or incorrect measurements.
Trims and Accessories Inspection: Ensuring that buttons, zippers, threads, and other accessories meet the required quality standards.
Measurement Verification: Confirming that the raw materials adhere to the specified measurements and tolerances.

2. In-Process Quality Control (IPQC)

Inline Inspection: Conducting quality checks at different stages of production to identify and correct defects early.
Process Monitoring: Ensuring that sewing, cutting, stitching, and other processes are carried out according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Workmanship Evaluation: Checking the workmanship of the garments, including seams, hems, and finishing.

3. Finished Product Inspection

Final Inspection: Inspecting finished garments to ensure they meet the company's quality standards, including checking for defects like loose threads, uneven seams, or incorrect sizing.
Packaging Inspection: Ensuring that the garments are correctly folded, tagged, labeled, and packed according to customer specifications.
Size and Fit Verification: Confirming that the garments match the approved samples in terms of size, fit, and design.

4. Quality Reporting and Documentation

Quality Reports: Preparing detailed reports on the quality of raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products.
Non-Conformance Reporting: Documenting and reporting any deviations from quality standards and initiating corrective actions.
Trend Analysis: Analyzing quality data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

5. Supplier Quality Management

Supplier Audits: Conducting audits of suppliers to ensure they meet the required quality standards.
Incoming Material Approval: Approving or rejecting raw materials and components based on quality assessments.
Supplier Feedback: Providing feedback to suppliers on quality issues and working with them to improve quality.

6. Customer Quality Assurance

Customer Specification Compliance: Ensuring that all products meet the customer's quality requirements and specifications.
Complaint Handling: Addressing and resolving customer complaints related to quality issues.
Sample Approval: Coordinating with customers for the approval of pre-production samples to ensure alignment with their expectations.

7. Continuous Improvement

Quality Improvement Initiatives: Leading and participating in initiatives aimed at improving product quality and reducing defects.
Training and Development: Training production staff on quality standards, techniques, and best practices.
Implementation of Quality Tools: Utilizing quality management tools like Six Sigma, 5S, or Lean Manufacturing to enhance the production process.

8. Compliance and Standards

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all products comply with relevant regulations and standards, such as ISO, ASTM, or customer-specific requirements.
Environmental and Safety Standards: Ensuring that the production process adheres to environmental and safety standards, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

9. Coordination and Communication

Cross-Departmental Coordination: Working closely with other departments, such as production, design, and procurement, to ensure quality is maintained throughout the supply chain.
Customer Communication: Communicating with customers regarding quality issues, specifications, and improvements.

The Garments Quality Team plays a pivotal role in maintaining the reputation of a garments factory by ensuring that every piece produced meets the highest standards of quality. Their work is integral to minimizing defects, reducing waste, and ensuring customer satisfaction.