Factories lose time when they must stop to interpret a file, request missing artwork or resolve measurements that do not agree. Most delays are not caused by one dramatic mistake. They come from many small specification gaps that make sampling impossible to complete with confidence.
1. Using descriptive words instead of measurements
‘Loose sleeve,’ ‘long body’ and ‘small neckline’ mean different things to different people. Replace subjective instructions with finished-garment measurements and clearly drawn points of measure.
If a shape cannot be explained with one number, add a detail sketch, reference curve or pattern instruction. Use one unit system throughout the pack.
2. Flats that disagree with the BOM
A front flat may show snaps while the BOM lists a zip, or the colour page may name a lining absent from the materials list. These conflicts stop purchasing and sampling because the factory cannot know which page is current.
Run a cross-page audit: every visible component should appear in the BOM, and every BOM component should have placement or use instructions.
3. Missing construction and finishing notes
A seam line on a drawing does not identify the seam type, allowance, stitch, edge finish or pressing direction. The sample room may choose its standard method, which can differ from the designer’s quality expectation.
Critical areas for abayas include neck finish, front opening, cuff, pocket reinforcement, side slit, lining attachment and hem. Photograph a benchmark if the finish is difficult to name.
4. Artwork without scale or placement
Factories cannot price or place embroidery from a screenshot. Provide the production file, physical width and height, colour references, technique and distances from stable seam points.
Account for grading: decide whether a motif stays one size across all garments or changes with size. State whether left and right placements are mirrored or identical.
5. Uncontrolled revisions
Sending corrections in several chat messages creates competing instructions. Use one numbered comment sheet, update the tech pack and change the version date. Mark resolved comments instead of deleting the history.
After a fit meeting, verify that the new measurement table, construction notes and artwork pages all reflect the same decision before issuing the next version.
6. The 10-minute handoff audit
Open the exported PDF, not the working file, and review it as a supplier would. Confirm that linked artwork is included, text is legible, units and style codes are consistent, and there are no hidden draft layers.
Finally, list every item still awaiting approval. A clean ‘open issues’ list lets the factory work around known gaps instead of discovering them one by one.
- Style code and version on every page
- Front, back and required detail views
- Measurement method and tolerance
- Complete BOM with colour references
- Construction and artwork instructions
- Packing, label and open-issue status
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