Productivity upswing through two-phase continuous process improvement model: the case of apparel manufacturer

Abstract

Changes in the market in the apparel industry require changing modes of production and lead to the need to enhance production. One way to respond to such changes is the implementation of continuous process improvement Two-phase Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) procedure for continuous process improvement in the apparel industry was designed, and experimentally verified in the company in Serbia. Effects of the implementation were measured through productivity. The workplace layout, material handling system, and workplace organization were improved and the results show a significant increase in productivity. This study presents original suggestions to practitioners about how to implement continuous process improvement and make significant productivity improvements in the apparel industry.