Tips for Apparel Manufacturers:

Appropriate Zipper: Apparel manufacturers must check the appropriate zipper

necessary for the particular garments. We prefer to discuss with good Zipper
manufacturers to select the right zipper according to buyer requirement.
Washing of Apparel: Apparel manufacturers must take care of the zipper while
washing the garments. Improper washing or vigorous washing may not be suitable
for the zipper. Appropriate protection for zipper should also to be taken while
washing. If proper care is not taken, washing damages the zipper even if the zipper
is of the right quality.
Sewing to Apparel: The sewing operator must have proper knowledge of sewing
zipper into the apparel or it might damage the zipper.
Storage of Zipper: The zipper must be stored in dry place as humidity may affect
the zipper. Zipper must be stored away from any chemicals.
Leather: Metal zipper may be affected if used in leather garments. Many types of
chemical are present in leather which may affect the zipper.
Safety LOCK/KOB/TOP COP: KOB type plastic open-end zipper must be used for
children wear.
Nickel Free: We suggest you to use nickel free zipper as nickel causes allergy to
skin.
Non-Magnetic Slider: Should be used to pass the apparel for anti-needle test.
Color Fastness: Must check the color fastness requirement before placing order for
zipper.
Color Matching: As zipper color is usually matched with apparel fabric, the method
and light under which such color matching has to be done should be clearly
explained to zipper manufacturer. Same is true for matching with color cards.
Slider Strength: The apparel manufacturer must make sure of the zipper strength
especially required for children wear.
Tips for Apparel Users:
Smooth Slider Operation: Slider should be operated smoothly otherwise the teeth of
the zipper may get broken. Once a tooth is broken the zipper cannot used.
Waxing: Zipper can be waxed to make slider move smoothly over the teeth.
Ironing: Proper heat should be applied if iron is passed over the zipper. We advise
you to keep the zipper closed and cover the zipper with a piece of cloth while
ironing.

Cleaning: Zipper should be cleaned from time to time. Wax can be used for it.
Cloth Caught in Slider: If a piece of cloth is caught between slider, force should not
be applied. The cloth should be released by pulling the slider back slowly

WHAT IS SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT?

Supply chain management (SCM) is the combination of art and science that goes into improving the way your
company finds the raw components it needs to make a product or service and deliver it to customers. The
following are five basic components of SCM.
1. PlanThis is the strategic portion of SCM. Companies need a strategy for managing all the resources that
go toward meeting customer demand for their product or service. A big piece of SCM planning is developing a
set of metrics to monitor the supply chain so that it is efficient, costs less and delivers high quality and value to
customers.
2. SourceNext, companies must choose suppliers to deliver the goods and services they need to create their
product. Therefore, supply chain managers must develop a set of pricing, delivery and payment processes with
suppliers and create metrics for monitoring and improving the relationships. And then, SCM managers can put
together processes for managing their goods and services inventory, including receiving and verifying
shipments, transferring them to the manufacturing facilities and authorizing supplier payments.
3. MakeThis is the manufacturing step. Supply chain managers schedule the activities necessary for
production, testing, packaging and preparation for delivery. This is the most metric-intensive portion of the
supply chainone where companies are able to measure quality levels, production output and worker
productivity.
4. DeliverThis is the part that many SCM insiders refer to as logistics, where companies coordinate the
receipt of orders from customers, develop a network of warehouses, pick carriers to get products to customers
and set up an invoicing system to receive payments.
5. ReturnThis can be a problematic part of the supply chain for many companies. Supply chain planners
have to create a responsive and flexible network for receiving defective and excess products back from their
customers and supporting customers who have problems with delivered products.
For more info you can watch below video series [Prepared by- Arizona State University]
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SCM | Module 1 What is Supply Chain Management?

SCM | Module 2 Buy It : Managing Supply
SCM | Module 3 Make It : Manufacturing and Operations
SCM | Module 4 Move It : Transportation and Logistics
SCM | Module 5 Sell it & Service It : Retail Considerations
SCM | Module 6 Supply Chain Integration
SCM | Module 7 Global Supply Chain Management
SCM | Module 8 Socially Responsible Supply Chain Management
SCM | Module 9 Business Processes
SCM | Module 10 Measuring Performance
SCM | Module 11 Quality Management
SCM | Module 12 Supply Chains and Information Technology

GLOSSARY OF SHIPPING TERMS

Bill of lading (B/L) This is the official legal document that represents ownership of cargo. Its the negotiable
document to receive cargo and the contract for cargo between shipper and carrier.

Mother Vessel Main ocean vessel in a liner service designated to move containers from set origin points to
set destination ports/points on a regular basis.
Feeder Vessel Vessel employed in normally short sea routes to fetch or carry goods and containers to and
from ocean going vessels.
Stuffing Process in which cargo is loaded into an empty container which is then sealed (often in the presence
of customs), and transported to the carrier for loading onboard a ship. Its also called vanning.
Cut-Off Time Latest possible time the cargo may be delivered to the vessel or designated point.
ETD - Estimated time of departure.
ETA - Estimated time of arrival.
Box Another (less formal) name for a shipping container. This is how they are often referred to in the
industry.
Brake horsepower A common unit of power, the rate at which work is done. The power of cars and other
motors of engine-driven vehicles, including container ships, are often measured in brake horsepower.
Break bulk Loose cargo, such as cartons, put directly in the ships hold as opposed to containerized or bulk
cargo. The volume of break bulk cargo has declined dramatically worldwide as containerization has grown.
Bulk cargo Commodity cargo that is transported unpackaged in large quantities. These cargos are usually
dropped or poured as a liquid or solid, into a bulk carriers hold. Examples of bulk cargo are grain, seed, and
coal and iron ore.
Carrier Any individual, company or corporation engaged in transporting goods. Container shipping lines are
sometimes referred to as ocean carriers.
Charter rate A rate for shipping freight agreed upon between the owner of a vessel and the person wanting
to use the vessel (the charterer).
CO2 emissions Abbreviation for carbon dioxide emissions. CO2 results from the burning of fossil fuels such
as petroleum. It is broadly considered to be a factor contributing to global warming.
Container A reusable steel rectangular box for carrying cargo that first came into common use about 50
years ago. The sizes of containers are standardized so that they can easily be moved between specially adapted
containers ships, trains and trucks.
Container terminal A docking, unloading and loading area within a port designed to suit the sizes and needs
of container ships.
FEU Forty-foot Equivalent Unit. This is a container that is the same height and width as a TEU but twice
the length. As a result, it has twice the capacity.

Freight rates The charge made by a shipping line for the transportation of freight aboard one of its ships
from one place to another.
Gantry crane A type of crane used to load and unload container ships. It lifts objects with a hoist and can
move horizontally on a rail or pair of rails.
Intermodalism A system whereby standard-sized cargo containers can be moved seamlessly between
different modes of transport, typically specially adapted ships known as containerships, barges, trucks and
trains. Because the cargo does not need to be unloaded from the container every time it is moved from one
mode to the other it is a very efficient and fast system of transportation.
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Prescribes the numbers of lifeboats and
other emergency equipment that ships must have, as well as safety procedures including continuous radio
watches when a ship is at sea.
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) A code agreed between the signatories of
the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) on minimum security arrangements
for ships, ports and Coast Guard agencies. The Code was introduced by the International Maritime
Organization (IMO), the overseer of the original SOLAS agreement, in the wake of fears of terrorist attacks on
ships and ports after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001.
Knot A nautical measurement of speed equal to 1.15 miles or 1.85 kilometers per hour on land. The speed of
ships is measured in knots.
Maiden voyage The very first journey a ship makes after being delivered from the ship-yard.
Manifest - A list of cargo being carried by a ship as declared by the shipper.
Pallet A term used for a load-carrying platform onto which loose cargo is stacked before being placed inside
a container. It is designed to be moved easily by fork-lift trucks.
Reefer Industry term for a temperature-controlled container. Inside each one is a complex system of coils,
wires and electrical fittings, which are managed by a computer that controls everything from the temperature
and humidity to ventilation and gas levels, all working to prevent the deterioration of fresh food or other
sensitive goods over long distances and periods of time.
Shipper - Any person or organization paying for its cargo to be shipped from one place to another.
TEU Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit. This is the industry standard to measure containers. A 20-foot
containers dimensions are twenty feet long (6.09 meters), 8 feet wide (2.4 meters) and 8 feet six inches high
(2.6 meters). These dimensions have been set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
World Customs Organization (WCO) An intergovernmental organization comprised of customs
administrations from 170 countries who participate to communicate and co-operate on customs issues.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) A specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for
measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent marine pollution from
ships. It is also involved in legal matters, including liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of
international maritime traffic.
Zipper Code : Collected from official site of Neo Zipper.

POLYESTER ( COIL )
ITEM

Our Code

YKK Code

COIL # 3, CLOSED-END, METAL TOP & BOTTOM STOPPER

CZC # 3

CFC36

COIL # 3, CLOSED-END, PLASTIC MOLDED TOP & BOTTOM

CZC # 3

CFC36

COIL # 5, CLOSED-END, METAL TOP & BOTTOM STOPPER

CZC # 5

CNFC56

COIL # 5, CLOSED-END, PLASTIC MOLDED TOP & BOTTOM

STOPPER

CZM # 5

CNFC56

CZO # 3, OPEN-END, AUTO-LOCK, REGULAR SLIDER

(MOLDED TOP & PIN-BOX)

CZO # 3

CNFO 036

COIL # 5, OPEN-END, METAL TOP STOPPER & PIN-BOX

CZO # 5

CNFO56

COIL # 5, OPEN-END, PLASTIC MOLDED STOPPER & PIN-BOX

CZO # 5

CNFO56

COIL # 5, OPEN-END, TWO-WAY METAL TOP STOPPER & PINBOX

CZM # 5

CNFM56

COIL # 5, OPEN-END, TWO-WAY PLASTIC TOP STOPPER & PINBOX

CZM # 5

CNFM56

IZC # 3

CHC 36

NEO Code

YKK Code

PZC # 3

VSC36

STOPPER

INVISIBLE
INVISIBLE # 3 (WOVEN TAPE), CLOSED -END, AUTO-LOCK,
TEAR DROP SLIDER
PLASTIC ( DELRIN )
ITEM
PLASTIC # 3, CLOSED-END

PLASTIC # 5, CLOSED-END

PZC # 5

VSC56

PLASTIC # 3, OPEN-END

PZO # 3

VSO36

PLASTIC # 5, OPEN-END

PZO # 5

VSO56

PLASTIC # 5, OPEN-END

PZM # 5

VSM56

NEO Code

YKK Code

GBC # 3

MGC 36

GBC # 4.5

YGC 39

BRASS # 4, CLOSED END

GBC # 4

YGC 49

BRASS # 5, CLOSED END

GBC # 5

RGC 56

BRASS # 5, OPEN-END

GBO # 5

RGO 56

DULL SILVER/TIN # 3, CLOSED-END

GKC # 3

MGKBC36

GKC # 4.5

YGKBC 39

DULL SILVER/TIN # 4, CLOSED-END

GKC # 4

YGKBC 49

DULL SILVER/TIN # 5, CLOSED-END

GKC # 5

RGKBC 56

DULL SILVER/TIN # 5, OPEN-END

GKO # 5

RGKBO 56

ANTIQUE SILVER # 3, CLOSED-END

ASC# 3

MGTHC-36

ASC # 4.5

YGRTHC-39

ANTIQUE SILVER # 4, CLOSED-END

ASC # 4

YGRTHC-49

ANTIQUE SILVER # 5,CLOSED-END

ASC # 5

RGTHC- 56

ANTIQUE SILVER # 5 OPEN-END

ASO # 5

RGTHO-56

DULL SILVER/TIN # 3, CLOSED-END

TIC # 3

N/A

TIC # 4.5

N/A

DULL SILVER/TIN # 4, CLOSED-END

TIC # 4

N/A

DULL SILVER/TIN # 5, CLOSED-END

TIC # 5

N/A

METAL

BRASS

ITEM
BRASS # 3, CLOSED-END
BRASS # 4.5, CLOSED-END, SEMI-AUTOLOCK

ANTIQUE
BRASS

ANTIQUE
SILVER

DULL
SILVER/TIN

DULL SILVER/TIN # 4.5 , CLOSED-END

ANTIQUE SILVER # 4.5, CLOSED-END

DULL SILVER/TIN # 4.5 , CLOSED-END

DULL SILVER/TIN # 5, OPEN-END

TIC # 5

N/A

JAPANESE 5S SYSTEM | SEIRI, SEITON, SEISO, SEIKETSU & SHITSUKE

The 5S System is a structured program invented in Japan to systematically achieve total organization,
cleanliness, and standardization in the workplace. A well-organized workplace results in a safer, more efficient,
and more productive operation. It boosts the morale of the workers, promoting a sense of pride in their work
and ownership of their responsibilities.
5S stands for five Japanese words that start with the letter S': Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke.
Below inserted table shows what these individual words mean. An equivalent set of five S words in English
have likewise been adopted by many, to preserve the 5S acronym in English usage. These are: Sort, Set (in
place), Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. Some people arent agree with these English words & they argue that
these words have lost the essence of the original 5 Japanese words.

Seiri: The first step of the 5S process, seiri, refers to the act of throwing away all unwanted, unnecessary,
and unrelated materials in the workplace. People involved in Seiri must not feel sorry about having to throw
away things. The idea is to ensure that everything left in the workplace is related to work. Even the number of
necessary items in the workplace must be kept to its absolute minimum. Because of seiri, simplification of
tasks, effective use of space, and careful purchase of items follow.
Seiton: Seiton, or orderliness, is all about efficiency. This step consists of putting everything in an assigned
place so that it can be accessed or retrieved quickly, as well as returned in that same place quickly. If everyone
has quick access to an item or materials, work flow becomes efficient, and the worker becomes productive.
The correct place, position, or holder for every tool, item, or material must be chosen carefully in relation to
how the work will be performed and who will use them. Every single item must be allocated its own place for
safekeeping, and each location must be labeled for easy identification of what its for.
Seiso: Seiso, the third step in 5S, says that everyone is a janitor. Seiso consists of cleaning up the
workplace and giving it a shine. Cleaning must be done by everyone in the organization, from operators to
managers. It would be a good idea to have every area of the workplace assigned to a person or group of

persons for cleaning. No area should be left uncleaned. Everyone should see the workplace through the eyes
of a visitor always thinking if it is clean enough to make a good impression.
Seiketsu: The fourth step of 5S, or seiketsu, more or less translates to standardized clean-up. It consists of
defining the standards by which personnel must measure and maintain cleanliness. Seiketsu encompasses
both personal and environmental cleanliness. Personnel must therefore practice seiketsu starting with their
personal tidiness. Visual management is an important ingredient of seiketsu. Color-coding and standardized
coloration of surroundings are used for easier visual identification of anomalies in the surroundings. Personnel
are trained to detect abnormalities using their five senses and to correct such abnormalities immediately.
Shitsuke: The last step of 5S, Shitsuke, means Discipline. It denotes commitment to maintain orderliness
and to practice the first 4 S as a way of life. The emphasis of shitsuke is elimination of bad habits and constant
practice of good ones. Once true shitsuke is achieved, personnel voluntarily observe cleanliness and
orderliness at all times, without having to be reminded by management.
You may ask- What the necessity of 5S system for merchandising? If you think so, please leave your comment
below. Well try to reply you as soon as we can

STRUCTURE OF ZIPPER
The construction of Zipper: Zippers can be divided into three major parts:
1.

Zipper Tape: It is one kind of fabric usually made of polyester, but

depending on use, synthetic fiber tape, vinyl tape and cotton tape are also
available.
2.
Slider: It can be metal, plastic or wooden part of zipper which joins or
separates the elements when the zipper is opened or closed. Various types of
sliders are available depending on use.
3.
Elements: The teeth, also known as elements, are the parts on each side of
a zipper that mesh, or engage, with each other when passed through the
slider. When the left and the right side teeth are engaged they are called
chain.

Some definitions related with Zipper:

CHAIN SIZE:

Refers to the specific gauge of the chain, i.e., size of the teeth.

CUT-TO-LENGTH
ZIPPERS:

(Finished Zippers) Any zipper that is finished to a specific

length, with all necessary components attached.

PULL TAB:

The part of the slider that you hold to move the slider up or
down.

MATERIAL:

Refers to the type of chain that is used in the construction of

the zipper, such as, metal chain, molded plastic chain or coil
(nylon) chain.

TAPE WIDTH:

Refers to the width of the fabric on one side only, of the zipper
chain.

TAPE ENDS:

The fabric part of the zipper, which extends beyond the teeth,
at the top and /or bottom of the chain.

STYLE:

Refers to the manner in which the zipper is assembled for a

particular application.

TOP STOP:

Two devices affixed to the bottom end of a zipper, to prevent

the slider from coming off the chain.

BOTTOM STOP

A device affixed to the bottom end of a zipper, to prevent

further movement of the half of the zipper from separating.

BRIDGE STOP:

A device similar to a bottom stop, used at the top and of a

zipper to prevent each half of the zipper from separating.

PIN:

A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose

function is to allow the joining of the two zipper halves.

BOX:

A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose

function is to correctly align the pin, to begin the joining of the
zipper halves.

HEAT SEAL PATCH:

The cotton and nylon laminated material fused to the bottom

end of a separating zipper, used to reinforce the type.

HEAT-SEALABLE
ZIPPERS
(WELDABLE
LAMINATED
ZIPPERS):

Any zipper that has a strip of plastic fused to each half of the
zipper tape to allow a manufacturer to electronically weld
the zipper onto the garment or item that is being
manufactured, without the need of sewing or stitching.

CONTINUOUS
CHAIN:

Any material or size of zipper chain that is continuously

spooled without sliders or any other components. Typically
used by fabricators on a cut-as-need basis.

ZIPPER SLIDER | POSITION OF SLIDER |

SLIDER LOCKING SYSTEM | SLIDER
CODING SYSTEM | STANDARD SLIDER
L/S: LEFT SIDE SLIDER (RIGHT HAND INSERT) Europe and Asia : Used both by male and female. USA:
Generally used by female
R/S: RIGHT SIDE SLIDER (LEFT HAND INSERT) USA, Canada, and South America: Generally used by
male.
Slider Locking System
Auto-Lock: Slider has automatic locking mechanism. Pulling up releases it.
Semi Auto-Lock: Slider has to be pressed manually down for locking mechanism to work. Pulling up the pull
releases it.
Non-Lock: No locking mechanism present at all.
Safety Locking System for Plastic OPEN-END Zipper
For open-end plastic zipper, a safety locking system is necessary so slider does not come out from the zipper. It
is very essential for zipper to be used for children wear. This is called SAFETY LOCK/KOB/TOP-COP etc
type Plastic open-end zipper.
Slider Coding System:
There are many different sliders and each group is coded under a system. Few are given for your
understanding.
D: Die-cast (sliders are usually die-cast zinc alloy)
A: Auto-locking system
F: Non-locking system
R: Rubber puller
Example:
DA: Die-cast auto-lock slider. This is regular puller
DF: Die-cast non-lock slider.

INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL TERMS (INCOTERMS)

International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) are internationally recognized standard trade terms by
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) used in sales contracts. Theyre used to make sure buyer and seller
know the answer below questions

Who is responsible for the cost of transporting the goods, including

insurance, taxes and duties?

Where the goods should be picked up from and transported to?

Who is responsible for the goods at each step during transportation?

Lets know how many Incoterms are generally used for international trade & transactionFOB Free on Board (named port of shipment)
The seller must load the goods on board the vessel nominated by the buyer. Cost and risk are divided when the
goods are actually on board of the vessel. The seller must clear the goods for export. The term is applicable for
maritime and inland waterway transport only but not for multimodal sea transport in containers. The buyer
must instruct the seller the details of the vessel and the port where the goods are to be loaded, and there is no
reference to, or provision for, the use of a carrier or forwarder. This term has been greatly misused over the last
three decades ever since Incoterms 1980 explained that FCA should be used for container shipments. It means
the seller pays for transportation of goods to the port of shipment, loading cost. The buyer pays cost of marine
freight transportation, insurance, uploading and transportation cost from the arrival port to destination. The
passing of risk occurs when the goods pass the ships rail at port of shipments.
EXW Ex Works (named place of delivery)
The seller makes the goods available at his/her premises. The buyer is responsible for uploading. This term
places the maximum obligation on the buyer and minimum obligations on the seller. The Ex Works term is
often used when making an initial quotation for the sale of goods without any costs included. EXW means that
a seller has the goods ready for collection at his premises (works, factory, warehouse, plant) on the date agreed
upon. The buyer pays all transportation costs and also bears the risks for bringing the goods to their final
destination. The seller does not load the goods on collecting vehicles and doesnt clear them for export. If the
seller does load the goods, he does so at buyers risk and cost. If parties wish seller to be responsible for the
loading of the goods on departure and to bear the risk and all costs of such loading, this must be made clear by
adding explicit wording to this effect in the contract of sale..
FCA Free Carrier (named place of delivery)
The seller delivers goods, cleared for export, to the buyer-designated carrier at a named location. This is used
for any mode of transport. The seller must load goods onto the buyers carrier. The key document signifying
transfer of responsibility is receipt by carrier to exporter.
CPT Carriage Paid To (named place of destination)

The seller pays for carriage. Risk transfers to buyer upon handling goods over to the first carrier at place of
shipment in the country of export.
CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid to (named place of destination)
The containerized transport/multimodal equivalent of CIF. Seller pays for carriage and insurance to the named
destination point, but risk passes when the goods are handed over to the first carrier.
DAT Delivered at Terminal (named terminal at port or place of destination)
Seller pays for carriage to the terminal, except for costs related to import clearance, and assumes all risks up to
the point that the goods are unloaded at the terminal.
DAP Delivered at Place (named place of destination)
Seller pays for carriage to the named place, except for costs related to import clearance, and assumes all risks
prior to the point that the goods are ready for unloading by the buyer.
DDP Delivered Duty Paid (named place of destination)
Seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the named place in the country of the buyer, and pays all costs
in bringing the goods to the destination including import duties and taxes. The seller is not responsible for
unloading. This term is often used in place of the non-Incoterm Free In Store (FIS). This term places the
maximum obligations on the seller and minimum obligations on the buyer. Its called DDP.
FAS Free Alongside Ship (named port of shipment)
The seller must place the goods alongside the ship at the named port. The seller must clear the goods for
export. Suitable only for maritime transport but not for multimodal sea transport in containers. This term is
typically used for heavy-lift or bulk cargo.
CFR Cost and Freight (named port of destination)
Seller must pay the costs and freight to bring the goods to the port of destination. However, risk is transferred
to the buyer once the goods are loaded on the vessel. Insurance for the goods is NOT included. This term is
formerly known as CNF (C&F). Maritime transport only.
CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight (named port of destination)
Exactly the same as CFR except that the seller must in addition procure and pay for the insurance. Maritime
transport only.