Apparel quick response systems: the manufacturer perspective

The textile manufacturing sectors of leading industrial nations are in decline. This paper explores supply chain management issues such as manufacturer awareness and implementation of quick response (QR) systems. Understanding of QR is explored in face-to-face interviews and order processing is examined. This exploratory study, which was administered in Scotland, reveals that information technology, although implemented in some areas, is not used to optimise performance in this sector. Results indicate that less than a third of the companies surveyed have implemented any QR systems, and that supply chain members have not fully understood the benefits of implementing QR strategy and see it as a strategy for retailers rather than an embedded supply chain strategy.