Project Planning

Comprehensive guide to planning tailoring projects effectively.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Creating a Work Breakdown Structure

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) divides your project into manageable components:

  1. Navigate to Projects > Planning > WBS
  2. Select your project from the dropdown
  3. Click "Create WBS" or "Use Template" to start
  4. Define the major phases of your project
  5. Break down each phase into specific tasks
  6. Assign responsibilities for each task

Standard Tailoring WBS Template

The system includes a standard WBS template for tailoring projects:

  • 1.0 Preparation
    • 1.1 Client consultation
    • 1.2 Measurements
    • 1.3 Design finalization
    • 1.4 Material selection
  • 2.0 Pattern Making
    • 2.1 Pattern drafting
    • 2.2 Pattern adjustment
    • 2.3 Pattern validation
  • 3.0 Cutting
    • 3.1 Fabric preparation
    • 3.2 Layout planning
    • 3.3 Cutting execution
    • 3.4 Cut piece organization
  • 4.0 Construction
    • 4.1 Initial assembly
    • 4.2 First fitting
    • 4.3 Adjustments
    • 4.4 Final assembly
  • 5.0 Finishing
    • 5.1 Buttonholes and buttons
    • 5.2 Hemming
    • 5.3 Pressing
    • 5.4 Final inspection
  • 6.0 Delivery
    • 6.1 Final fitting
    • 6.2 Client acceptance
    • 6.3 Packaging
    • 6.4 Delivery

Real-World Example

"Layla is planning a complex bridal gown project with extensive beadwork. She starts with the standard WBS template but adds a specialized phase for beading work between Construction and Finishing. She breaks this down into tasks: bead pattern transfer, base beading application, accent beading, and quality check. She assigns the specialized beading tasks to Sara, her beading expert, while keeping other construction tasks assigned to her general tailors. By creating this detailed WBS, Layla ensures that no aspect of the complex gown is overlooked, and everyone knows exactly what they're responsible for and when each task needs to be completed."

Project Scheduling

Creating a Project Schedule

After defining your WBS, create a detailed schedule:

  1. Navigate to Projects > Planning > Schedule
  2. Select your project from the dropdown
  3. The system will import tasks from your WBS
  4. Set start and end dates for each task
  5. Define dependencies between tasks
  6. Allocate resources to tasks
  7. Save the schedule to finalize

Setting Dependencies

Define relationships between tasks to create a logical workflow:

  • Finish-to-Start (FS): Task B cannot start until Task A is complete
  • Start-to-Start (SS): Task B cannot start until Task A starts
  • Finish-to-Finish (FF): Task B cannot finish until Task A finishes
  • Start-to-Finish (SF): Task B cannot finish until Task A starts

To set dependencies:

  1. Select a task in the schedule
  2. Click "Add Dependency"
  3. Select the related task
  4. Choose the dependency type
  5. Set any lag time if needed
  6. Click "Save" to create the dependency

Resource Planning

Resource Allocation

Allocate resources to ensure your project has everything it needs:

  1. Navigate to Projects > Planning > Resources
  2. Select your project from the dropdown
  3. The system will display all tasks from your schedule
  4. For each task, assign the necessary resources
  5. Set the allocation percentage for each resource
  6. Review resource utilization to identify overallocations
  7. Adjust as needed to optimize resource usage

Resource Types

The system supports various resource types for tailoring projects:

  • Human Resources: Tailors, pattern makers, cutters, etc.
  • Equipment: Sewing machines, pressing equipment, cutting tables, etc.
  • Materials: Fabrics, linings, interfacings, notions, etc.
  • Facilities: Fitting rooms, workspaces, etc.
  • Services: Specialized services like embroidery or beading

Resources must be defined in the system before they can be allocated to projects.

Real-World Example

"Ahmed manages a tailoring workshop with five tailors of varying skill levels. He's planning a rush order for a wedding party that includes multiple garments. In the resource planning view, he assigns his most experienced tailor, Yusuf, to the complex bride's dress, while allocating his newer tailors to the simpler bridesmaid dresses. He notices that his embroidery machine is showing as overallocated during the second week of the project. Ahmed adjusts the schedule to move some embroidery work earlier in the timeline when the machine is available. He also sees that he'll need the cutting table for multiple projects on the same day, so he staggers the cutting tasks to prevent resource conflicts. With careful resource planning, Ahmed ensures that all garments can be completed on time without bottlenecks or delays."

Risk Management

Risk Assessment

Identify and assess potential risks to your project:

  1. Navigate to Projects > Planning > Risk
  2. Select your project from the dropdown
  3. Click "Add Risk" to identify a new risk
  4. Categorize the risk (material, resource, timeline, etc.)
  5. Assess probability and impact
  6. Define response strategies
  7. Assign risk owners

Common Tailoring Project Risks

Common risks in tailoring projects include:

  • Material Risks: Fabric unavailability, defects, or delays
  • Measurement Risks: Inaccurate measurements or client weight changes
  • Resource Risks: Staff unavailability or equipment failure
  • Timeline Risks: Delays in approvals or production
  • Quality Risks: Issues with construction or finishing
  • Client Risks: Changes in requirements or dissatisfaction

The system includes a library of common risks that can be added to your project with a single click.

Project CreationProject Execution