Summary
- A well-structured production order ensures every detail of garment manufacturing is clear and traceable.
- Managing production orders the right way helps reduce delays, avoid rework, and keep teams aligned.
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Production sits at the heart of every fashion brand. Small mistakes here cost time, money, and reputation. In other words, a strong production order has the power to turn chaos into clarity!
A production order is the instruction set for turning designs into finished garments. It lists SKUs, sizes, quantities, materials, operations, deadlines, and special notes. When it’s precise, teams know what to do and when to do it.
This post will teach you how to develop the perfect production order. You’ll learn which fields matter most and how to structure them for action. You’ll also discover how to manage orders correctly and how technology can help you.
We hope you enjoy the reading!
Sumário
What is a production order?
A production order is the document or digital record that organizes the entire manufacturing process of a garment. It contains all the essential information needed to transform a design into a finished product.
It includes everything from the fabrics and trims required to the quantities, deadlines, and specific instructions for each operation.
In fashion, where timing and precision are key, it ensures that every department is on the same page. Design, cutting, sewing, and finishing teams all rely on it to understand their tasks and responsibilities. Without it, production flows risk delays, mistakes, and confusion.
Stages of production orders
Production orders usually go through different stages before they are ready. Each stage reflects how close the order is to become an actual garment on the production line.
Here are the main stages most companies use:
Simulated production order
It allows managers to test different scenarios, calculate material needs, and estimate capacity before committing to real production. This stage is especially useful when evaluating whether the factory has enough resources to handle an upcoming order.
Planned production order
Planning systems such as MRP (Material Requirements Planning) usually generate this order automatically. It suggests when and how much you should produce based on current demand and stock levels. However, it’s still only a proposal and not yet authorized to move forward.
Learn more: Who is a production manager and what do they do?
Firm planned production order
At this stage, managers confirm the order. They lock in the details so that planning systems don’t automatically change it. It’s a way to stabilize production and guarantee resources.
Once an order is firm, teams can contact suppliers, reserve fabrics, and follow the production calendar without unexpected shifts.
Released production order
A released production order means the order is officially authorized, and manufacturing can begin. It’s time to allocate materials, schedule machines, and give instructions to operators. This stage represents the transition from planning to execution.
Completed production order
It marks the end of the cycle. Once you finish all garments, the system records the actual quantities, material consumption, and hours of work.
This final stage provides managers with valuable insights. Comparing planned versus actual results helps identify inefficiencies, measure productivity, and improve future planning.
Learn more: 6 benefits of system integration in apparel manufacturing
What should a production order include?
A production order must be detailed and precise to guide teams effectively. It’s not just a list of tasks: it’s the complete map of how to produce a garment. To avoid errors and delays, make sure it includes:
- Product identification: style code, description, and collection reference.
- Sizes and quantities: exact breakdown of the items in production.
- Materials and trims: fabrics, linings, buttons, zippers, and other components.
- Operations and sequence: steps required, from cutting to finishing.
- Deadlines: start dates, delivery dates, and milestones.
- Special instructions: quality requirements, client specifications, or technical notes.
- Costing information: estimated labor and material costs.
Ready to optimize your cutting room? Download our guide and learn how to eliminate costly mistakes!
What is the best way to manage a production order?
Managing a production order correctly means balancing accuracy with agility. It requires structured processes and tools that allow quick adjustments when needed. We’ve put together a few tips for you:
Generate the order with software
Creating a production order manually is time-consuming and prone to mistakes. With specialized software, managers can generate orders faster, pulling information directly from the product database.
Learn more: How can fashion technology boost your production?
Approve it before releasing resources
Before an order reaches the factory floor, it needs approval. This checkpoint ensures that all information is correct and schedules are realistic. Skipping this step can cause costly interruptions once production starts.
Include all components of the item
A production order should always list every component of the garment. Missing even a small trim or accessory can delay the entire production flow. By detailing fabrics, linings, buttons, labels, and packaging, managers make sure the factory floor has everything it needs.
Indicate any outsourced operation
Not all operations happen in-house. Sometimes companies outsource embroidery, washing, or finishing to specialized partners. And a good production order must indicate these steps and keep external work aligned with the schedule.
Record costs and working hours
Finally, a professional production order should capture real costs and labor hours. This data allows managers to compare planned versus actual performance, revealing points for improvement. It also helps calculate profitability more precisely.
Learn more: 5 strategies for production planning in the fashion industry
How can technology help manage production orders?
Real-time information
One of the greatest advantages of using technology to manage production orders is having real-time data. You can instantly see what stage each order is in, whether you have received materials, or if production has started.
This visibility prevents delays from going unnoticed and allows faster decision-making.
Improved scheduling
Technology also makes scheduling more efficient. Instead of manually adjusting calendars, managers can rely on software that automatically allocates tasks based on capacity, lead times, and resource availability.
For apparel production, improved scheduling means collections on time and teams handling last-minute requests more smoothly.
Resource optimization
Digital tools help managers allocate resources in the smartest way possible. By analyzing workloads, capacity, and priorities, the system ensures that labor and machines are efficient. All without overburdening one area while another sits idle.
Learn more: How to apply PPC for manufacturing in your fashion business?
Inventory reduction
Technology supports better inventory control by connecting production orders to material planning. It prevents over-purchasing fabrics and trims by calculating exact needs, while also avoiding shortages that could stop production.
This means leaner inventories and lower storage costs. At the same time, it ensures that the right materials are available exactly when needed. It helps to keep production continuous and cost-effective.
Increased productivity
With automation, production orders are faster to create, distribute, and update. Teams no longer waste time chasing information or correcting manual errors. This way, workers can focus on execution rather than paperwork.
Higher product quality
Technology also improves quality control. Digital production orders can include detailed specifications, images, and technical notes that reduce confusion on the shop floor. Everyone has access to the same clear instructions.
This consistency translates into garments that meet design expectations and customer standards.
Learn more: 5 fashion production performance indicators to monitor
When is the right time to invest in a production order system?
The right time to invest in a production order system is when manual processes start to limit efficiency. If managers spend too much time fixing mistakes or looking for information, it means they need better technology. They should focus more on strategy instead.
Another moment is when the business begins to scale. As order volumes increase, spreadsheets and paper-based methods quickly become impossible. A dedicated system ensures that growth is sustainable without sacrificing accuracy or control.
Manage your production orders with Audaces solutions
Audaces ICF
An intelligent technology that connects people and cutting room equipment with high security.
It’s fully digital and focused on data security. It provides the best tools for planning and managing spreading and cutting processes.
In addition to streamlining your workflow, the online platform ensures access for all stakeholders. All information is available in real time via smartphone.
Managers can effortlessly schedule cut orders, specifying details like spreads, layers, cuts, and fabric quantities.
Moreover, Audaces ICF monitors and alerts about differences between planned and actual results, with automatic correction suggestions.
Audaces Isa
Streamline your workflow, accelerate production, and elevate your brand with Audaces Isa.
This innovative PLM software empowers fashion companies to take control of their entire collection development process. From initial ideas to final products.
Audaces Isa centralizes data and fosters collaboration, leading to more than 50% reduction in product launch time. You can even have real-time access to your collection’s progress directly from your phone, with the mobile version.
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FAQ
A production order is the document or digital record that organizes the entire manufacturing process of a garment. It contains all the essential information needed to transform a design into a finished product.
A production order should always include product identification, sizes, quantities, materials, operations, deadlines, and special instructions.
The right time to invest in a production order system is when manual processes start to limit efficiency. Another moment is when the business begins to scale.
