Delays in the Apparel Manufacturing Industry's Implementation of Mass Customization

摘要

Past research has demonstrated the importance of understanding the mass customization of clothing within the context of trade globalization, which has led to ever more ferocious competition in the apparel industry. But, why is the apparel manufacturing industry so late in understanding this? This paper outlines and discusses the possible causes of the delays of mass customization in the apparel and fashion industry. The study first identifies (based on a number of interviews with apparel producers) the performance indicators and the integration of technologies necessary for the implementation of a system of mass customization in the clothing industry. The interviews with these producers reveal certain factors and characteristics that can explain this delay. The principal cause is the lack of integration between technologies currently in place and those offered by suppliers that do not adequately respond to the needs of manufacturers and distributers.