Rationalisation methods for managing the production processes of textile products from the regulated field

Abstract

One of the essential features of the unified European market is the free movement of many industrial products, thanks to the harmonisation of the laws of the European Union countries. The rigour of safety regulations has led to a constant increase in the supply and volume of personal protective equipment. The EU legislation defines “essential requirements” for personal protective equipment but does not do the same for technical specifications. From this point of view, products can be divided into non-regulated and regulated products. Protective products and toys are manufactured in the regulated sector in the textile sector and require formal certification under European Community directives. Products intended for military use (in the regulated area) are subject to special, sometimes top-secret rules. Fashionable clothing belongs to the non-regulated area and does not require formal certification. The protective equipment must ensure compliance with EU regulations, such as absolute individual protection against specific risks; durable protective functions; psychological comfort while wearing it; ease of maintenance. The production of textile garments in the regulated sector requires flawless execution with the help of qualified personnel, who have created the physical conditions for the optimal execution of the operations to achieve a constant level of quality. A factor that determines the constant quality level is efficient production management. Production management in the textile industry refers to structuring processes, setting time rules and ensuring efficient working conditions for the people performing the work (rational design of the workplace makes it possible to achieve greater efficiency and meet occupational safety requirements). Once the requirements are clearly defined from the customer’s point of view, their translation into technical measures is a task for the manufacturing company. With this in mind, the main objective of this paper is to provide an example of streamlining the management of production to facilitate the manufacturing process of a product in a regulated sector that is compliant with European regulations. The case study has been carried out for the manufacturing process of a pistol bag.