What is SMV and SAM in Garment Industry?

Selim Reza
25 Aug, 2024

Standard Allowed Minutes (SAM) or Standard Minute Value (SMV) are key metrics in the apparel industry, used to quantify the time required to complete a specific task or produce a particular garment. These metrics help in planning production, setting targets, calculating labor costs, and improving efficiency. 

What is SMV and SAM in Garment Industry?

Below are the approximate SAM/SMV values for a few basic garment products:

1. T-Shirt (Basic Round Neck)

  • SAM/SMV: 5 to 7 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, sewing shoulder seams, attaching neck rib, hemming sleeves and bottom, and finishing.

2. Polo Shirt

  • SAM/SMV: 10 to 12 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, collar attachment, placket construction, sleeve setting, side seam closing, hemming, and buttonhole making.

3. Men’s Formal Shirt

  • SAM/SMV: 18 to 25 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, collar making and attachment, sleeve placket, sleeve setting, side seam, buttonholes, and cuff attachment.

4. Jeans (Basic 5-Pocket)

  • SAM/SMV: 22 to 30 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, front rise seam, fly zipper setting, pocket attachment, waistband attachment, inseam and out-seam sewing, hemming, and belt loop attachment.

5. Ladies’ Blouse

  • SAM/SMV: 12 to 16 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, dart sewing, shoulder seam, collar attachment, sleeve setting, side seam, buttonhole making, and finishing.

6. Basic Skirt

  • SAM/SMV: 10 to 15 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, dart sewing, side seam joining, waistband attachment, zipper setting, and hemming.

7. Men’s Trousers

  • SAM/SMV: 25 to 35 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, front rise seam, zipper fly setting, pocket attachment, waistband attachment, inseam and outseam sewing, and hemming.

8. Basic Dress

  • SAM/SMV: 20 to 30 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, bodice and skirt assembly, zipper setting, sleeve attachment, hemming, and finishing.

9. Hoodie

  • SAM/SMV: 15 to 20 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, hood assembly and attachment, pocket attachment, sleeve setting, side seam joining, and finishing.

10. Underwear (Basic Briefs)

  • SAM/SMV: 4 to 6 minutes
  • Key Operations: Cutting, elastic waistband attachment, side seam joining, leg elastic attachment, and finishing.

Factors Affecting SAM/SMV Values:

  • Complexity of Design: More complex designs with additional features (e.g., pockets, pleats, embroidery) will have higher SAM/SMV values.
  • Fabric Type: Fabrics that are difficult to handle, such as knits or delicate fabrics, can increase the SAM/SMV.
  • Workstation Efficiency: The efficiency of machines and tools used at each workstation can impact the SAM/SMV.
  • Worker Skill Level: Experienced and skilled workers can complete tasks more quickly, potentially reducing the SAM/SMV.
  • Automation: The use of automated machinery can significantly reduce SAM/SMV by speeding up production processes.

Applications of SAM/SMV:

  • Line Balancing: SAM/SMV helps in balancing the workload across different workstations in an assembly line.
  • Target Setting: Establishes realistic production targets for workers and lines.
  • Labor Cost Calculation: Used to calculate labor costs based on the time required to produce each garment.
  • Performance Monitoring: Helps in tracking worker and line performance against established standards.

Conclusion:

These values provide a baseline and can be adjusted based on specific production environments and garment details.

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