Quality Specification

Outline
What is Quality Specification Importance of Specs Specs role in Maintaining Quality Process of Spec Sheet development Concept of Tolerances

Specifications
A specification, or spec is a precise statement of a

set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, system, or service that indicates the procedures for determining whether each of the requirements is satisfied.
Several key elements has to be emphasized in this

definition.

Requirements
Requirements indicate that these expectations are

nonnegotiable. Requirements must be met for the specifications to be satisfied. Specifications describe requirements. In other words, specific terms and numerical values with the measurement units are listed so that it is clear what issues are considered important. The expectations for performance, quality, or condition is expressly defined.

Two important elements in Specifications

The numbers used in writing specs address two

important elements in Specifications :

MINIMUMS & TOLERANCES

Minimums
A minimum is the least or low acceptable value

for any given parameter or dimension.

Establishing minimums can be very difficult task

because it is these values that encompass performance, appearance, and quality of the product.

Tolerances
A tolerance describes the range of acceptable values,

or in other words, it describes allowable deviations from specified values. Tolerances may be listed in several ways; as range from X to Y, as plus/minus value such as X + Y, or as a minimum with any value greater than the value listed is being acceptable. A major problem with tolerances is that they can accumulate or stack up in a product. The result is an unacceptable product, even though no single specification is outside the acceptable limit. Tolerances are included when a range is acceptable. However, not all the specs include tolerances.

Key element in Specification

The final key element in specifications is the inclusion

of procedures for analysis and evaluation. The procedure, test method, or process must be identified in detail in the specification. In terms of materials performance, this detailed procedure usually refers to a standard test method, such as those developed by ASTM or AATCC. In terms of other aspects, such as product dimensions, diagrams and detailed explanations or procedures may be included. Identification of procedures is critical, because they ultimately measure whether the product conforms to specifications and is acceptable to the company and its target.

Types of Specification
Companies develop

specifications for a product or a material as an open or closed specification.

Open Specification
An open specification allows for consideration of

multiple vendors and includes a description of character and/or performance desired in the product or material to be purchased. An open specification describes what is wanted and leaves the field open to any supplier who can meet the requirements specified. Open specifications can include general information or very specific information regarding fabric mass, resistance to fading, or whatever performance and design features are required. Open specifications are used to locate appropriate materials that would satisfy the target market.

Closed specification
A closed specification specifies the exact material,

component, or product by the manufacturer or vendor and includes style numbers, trade names, or other specific identifiers. All producers or vendors except for the one specified are restricted in submitting a bid.
Closed specifications are used for the production

purposes, pricing and for items that must incorporate specific materials.

 Types of specifications used by

the various industries are listed in the forthcoming slides. Some of these are having little relation to textile products. Others may be of interest when dealing with specific textile products

Target Specification
Target specifications relate to the understanding

the companys focus in terms of the product type, price point, and target market needs and expectations. Target specifications for textile products may be stated in nebulous terms in the companys mission and philosophy statement. For example, a company describes its mission as we provide high fashion, upscale furnishings for discriminating consumer incorporates some general aspects related to their market and types of products produced.

Functional specifications
Functional

specifications for textile products relate to performance requirements. Understanding customer expectations for products will assist in developing the functional specifications. Several laws and regulations incorporate functional specifications that must be met. For example, functional requirements for flammability are defined by the federal law for mattresses and mattress pads.

Product specification
Product specification includes elements related to

production: seam and stich type, equipment to be used for each operation, and the aspects related to quality. This would include a description of each seam, the thread to be used, seam type, stitch type, stitch density, and the precision of matching required for the plaids and when seams meet. For example, what is the acceptable precision when arms-eye and sleeve seams meet at the underarm

Materials Specification
Materials Specification for textile products

combines identification of the characteristics of each material (its type, quality characteristics, description, and condition) with the function or performance aspects. For materials, this would focus on how the materials, not the product, react to various conditions of use. Functional specifications need to focus on the product.

Process specification
Process

specification addresses all processes, including pattern and marker making, spreading and cutting, sewing, finishing, packaging and shipment. Product specifications should address the issues related to product quality. For example, specifications for packaging might address the number of items to be placed in a box and the kind of labels needed on the exterior of the box. These criteria are important for large companies that operate from distribution centers because of the space available, conveyor belt size restrictions for moving merchandise, and in tracking merchandise deliveries.

Inspection specifications
Inspection

inspection, inspection. These specifications, will describe how and when to inspect products

specifications include final inspection, or

in-process acceptable

Test specifications
Test

specifications may be combined with functional and materials specifications. Test specifications describe the procedures to follow in evaluating the process or the product before, during, or after production. Testing done before production focuses on the materials their character and performance. Testing done during the production focuses on the processes, often during the finishing step.

Acceptance Specifications
Acceptance Specifications describe the frequency,

type and the location of the defects that will be acceptable in the finished product. Acceptance specifications often address aspects relate to the appearance, performance, labeling, and packaging.

Installation Specifications
Installation Specifications most often relate to the

installation of the contract and home furnishings and industrial products. It is the detail instructions necessary for installing products on site ready for use. Probably prepared by the design or product development and engineering divisions.

Use specifications
Use specifications include information and

special instructions that users will need to enable them to use the product in its intended manner. Probably prepared by marketing with assistance from the design and engineering divisions.

Maintenance specifications
Maintenance specifications gives in details the

procedures to be followed to ensure that the product receives correct maintenance at required intervals. Probably prepared by the design and marketing divisions

Disposal Specifications
Identifies any special requirements in terms of

disposal of the product. May be included with the recyclable products. Probably prepared by the design and engineering divisions

Procurement Specifications
Provide a total picture of the what, where, when

and how expected of the product so that prospective suppliers know what is expected of them. Used by buying organizations to procure relatively complex products that must meet variety of requirements related to materials, functional, inspection, test and acceptance areas. Probably developed by design, product development, and engineering divisions.