ABSTRACT
Decisions on quality issues are rarely black or white, especially when they involve textiles. First, we work with materials that are often not stable and will stretch, shrink, or distort during cutting, sewing, or pressing; however, carefully, we try to prevent this from happening. Second, no two machinists sew in exactly the same way, and sometimes, a faulty batch can be traced back to one machinist. Making decisions on the acceptability of samples or production is often difficult, and “commercial decisions” have to be made, which must always be in the best interest of the business. Here are two examples of faults on a delivery of garments, which require a decision to accept or reject. Seven belt loops were specified on a trouser, but the production comes with six; four buttons were specified on a neck fastening of a polo shirt, but the production comes with three. Technically, these garments are wrong, but should they be rejected? The technologist’s first job is to check that the garments are still fit for purpose-do the six belt loops still support the trouser properly with a belt and is the neck opening with three buttons still large enough for the customers to get over their head? If your decision is that the garments are still fit for purpose, you would inform the buyer about the differences between the agreed specification and the final production and your decision that they are still commercially acceptable. Now, with this scenario, the buyer could decide either way. If he or she needs the stock, then he or she will be happy to accept the deliveries with your assurance that the garments are still fit for purpose and that the customers would never probably realize the difference. However, the buyer could decide to reject the deliveries and make it a quality issue for several reasons. He or she might not need the stock or intend to move production to another supplier; in this instance, it is the buyer’s choice to decide.
