Creating a tech pack is a crucial step in the product development process, particularly in the fashion, apparel, and manufacturing industries. It’s the bridge that connects the designer’s vision to the production team’s ability to execute it. A well-prepared tech pack ensures that the manufacturer knows exactly what is expected, from the design’s dimensions to material choices, down to how the product should fit. However, even the most seasoned designers can make mistakes during this critical stage, leading to costly errors, delays, and misunderstandings. In this blog, we will dive into the five common mistakes to avoid when creating your tech pack and how to ensure your tech pack sets the stage for a smooth production process.
One of the most common mistakes when creating a tech pack is providing inadequate or vague technical specifications. These specifications are the foundation of the tech pack and outline exactly how the product should be constructed. Without clear, detailed technical specs, you leave the manufacturer guessing, which increases the risk of errors and discrepancies in the final product.
What it is:
Technical specifications include measurements, materials, stitching, color codes, and other crucial details that explain the design. For example, if you’re designing a t-shirt, your technical specifications should cover details such as sleeve length, body length, neckline shape, and fabric composition. If the tech pack doesn’t offer these specifications or is unclear, the manufacturer may produce a product that doesn’t match your vision.
Why it’s a mistake:
A vague tech pack means there’s room for interpretation. This lack of clarity can lead to products that don’t meet your quality standards or design intent. When things go wrong during production, it can result in costly rework, extended timelines, and even product returns or customer dissatisfaction.
How to avoid it:
To avoid this mistake, ensure that your tech pack includes the following:
- Detailed measurements for every aspect of the design, including garment dimensions, seams, and placements.
- Material specifications, including the type of fabric, weight, stretch percentage, and any custom prints or patterns.
- Color specifications, such as Pantone numbers or fabric swatches.
- Clear sketches or CAD drawings to complement the technical specifications.
A tech pack filled with detailed technical specifications leaves little room for misunderstanding and ensures the manufacturer can execute your design accurately.
2. Missing or Unclear Bill of Materials (BOM)
A Bill of Materials (BOM) is a comprehensive list that includes all the materials and components needed to create the product. This could range from fabric, trims, labels, and buttons to zippers and thread. A missing or unclear BOM can delay production, create confusion, and lead to product failures.
What it is:
The BOM should be a thorough list that includes:
- Materials: Fabric types, colors, and textures.
- Trims: Zippers, buttons, elastics, and other small components.
- Hardware: Rivets, studs, and anything else required for the product’s construction.
- Packaging: Boxes, polybags, hangtags, and labels.
Each item should be listed with detailed information, including the quantity needed for each product, the material supplier, and any specific instructions for how the materials should be used.
Why it’s a mistake:
Without a clear BOM, the manufacturer might not have the proper materials on hand, which can lead to delays or substandard products. If the BOM is vague, it’s easy for errors to creep in, such as using the wrong color of fabric or incorrect hardware. Additionally, if your BOM is incomplete, you risk missing critical components, resulting in production issues down the line.
How to avoid it:
To avoid BOM-related issues:
- Be extremely thorough when listing all required materials.
- Include detailed quantities and make sure to update the BOM if changes occur during production.
- Categorize the materials by type (fabric, trims, labels, etc.) for easy reference.
- Specify the source of the material, especially if you are working with unique or custom materials.
By having a clear and complete BOM, you provide the manufacturer with the tools they need to start production without any hitches.
3. Not Including Quality Control Guidelines
Quality control guidelines are an essential part of any tech pack. They outline the standards that the product must meet before it is deemed acceptable for delivery. This could include tests for fabric durability, stitching quality, color consistency, and size accuracy. Skipping or neglecting to include these guidelines can lead to defective products or products that fail to meet customer expectations.
What it is:
Quality control (QC) guidelines set the benchmarks for how each product should be inspected. This includes:
- Stitching: Ensure the thread count, stitch type, and stitch density are specified.
- Fabric Quality: Include requirements for fabric weight, feel, and performance (e.g., stretch, shrinkage).
- Color Matching: Make sure color codes are listed and that fabric dye is specified.
- Fit and Sizing: Specify the desired fit, including details on how tight or loose the garment should be and whether it should shrink after washing.
Why it’s a mistake:
Without clear QC guidelines, the manufacturer might produce a product that does not meet your expectations or customer needs. For instance, poor stitching could lead to product failures after a few uses, and poor fabric quality can result in dissatisfaction among buyers. Additionally, not specifying proper fit and sizing can result in returns or a loss of business.
How to avoid it:
To ensure proper quality control:
- Include a detailed QC checklist that specifies how the product should be examined at each stage of production.
- Specify any tests that must be performed on materials, such as shrinkage or stretch testing.
- Clearly state acceptable tolerances for measurements and stitching.
- Make sure to define the final inspection process before the product is shipped.
Having well-detailed quality control guidelines ensures your product meets the desired standards and reduces the chances of defects or returns.
4. Overlooking Sizing and Fit Details
Sizing and fit are often overlooked in the tech pack, especially when the designer assumes that manufacturers will intuitively understand the fit they are aiming for. However, overlooking sizing and fit details can lead to sizing inconsistencies, poor customer experience, and ultimately, wasted resources.
What it is:
Sizing and fit details provide the foundation for how the garment will look and feel once worn. This includes:
- Size charts that clearly outline the garment’s measurements across different sizes.
- Fit type (e.g., relaxed, slim, loose) and how it should correspond to body measurements.
- Ease allowances which indicate how much room the garment will have for comfort.
- Grading rules that ensure consistent scaling from size to size.
Why it’s a mistake:
If you don’t provide clear sizing and fit specifications, manufacturers might end up creating a product that doesn’t match your intended design. For example, a garment that’s meant to be a loose fit might end up too tight if the fit is not specified. Likewise, sizing inconsistencies can lead to customer dissatisfaction and increased returns.
How to avoid it:
To avoid fit issues:
- Provide accurate size charts that specify measurements for each size.
- Include detailed fit instructions (e.g., slim fit, oversized).
- Specify the grading rules for the garment to ensure consistency across sizes.
- If necessary, include fit samples or prototype approvals to ensure the fit matches your vision before mass production.
Being clear about sizing and fit helps ensure that the final product will meet the expectations of your customers
5. Failing to Update or Review the Tech Pack Regularly
A tech pack isn’t a one-time document – it should be regularly updated throughout the design and production phases. Many designers make the mistake of creating a tech pack and then neglecting to update it when changes arise during the production process.
What it is:
As product development progresses, new details may emerge – from adjustments in materials to changes in dimensions or production timelines. If your tech pack isn’t updated to reflect these changes, it could lead to significant confusion and errors down the line.
Why it’s a mistake:
Failing to update the tech pack can lead to outdated information being shared with the manufacturer. This can result in production delays, mismatches between design and final product, and missed opportunities for improvement. It also affects communication with other stakeholders in the project, such as marketing and logistics teams, who may need accurate details.
How to avoid it:
To avoid this mistake:
- Review the tech pack regularly throughout the production process.
- Update specifications, materials, or production timelines as changes occur.
- Keep a version history to track updates and ensure that the most recent tech pack is being used.
- If necessary, send updated tech packs to manufacturers and all stakeholders involved in the project.
Regularly reviewing and updating your tech pack ensures that everyone involved is working with the most current and accurate information.
Conclusion
Creating a comprehensive, accurate tech pack is a crucial step in ensuring that your product is manufactured to your specifications and delivered on time. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve communication with your manufacturer, reduce errors, and speed up the production process. Remember to always be as detailed and thorough as possible when creating your tech pack – the more information you provide, the smoother the production process will be.
If you’re working on a new product, make sure to take the time to create a tech pack that reflects all the critical details – from technical specifications to quality control guidelines. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of a successful and smooth product launch.