Pre-Production Alignment Checklist — RMG
A stage-by-stage checklist to align specs, compliance scope, critical path, and acceptance criteria before production starts.
Content
Use this checklist to align specs, responsibilities, compliance scope, and execution checkpoints before production starts. It is designed to reduce late-stage surprises (quality drift, timeline slippage, documentation gaps, subcontracting exposure).
Document use
Treat this as an internal alignment tool. Where verification is applied, it should be verified per engagement and documented for the specific order.
1) Order scope and commercial clarity
- Style list and quantities (by style / colour / size) confirmed and version-controlled
- Incoterms agreed (and named location)
- Payment terms confirmed (incl. any LC requirements)
- Shipment split policy agreed (partial shipments allowed / not allowed)
- Tolerance policy agreed (qty tolerance, size tolerance, shade tolerance)
2) Specification and tech pack control
- Latest tech pack version confirmed (single source of truth)
- Measurement spec clarified (POM list, grading rules, tolerances)
- Construction spec clarified (stitch type, SPI, seam allowances, reinforcements)
- Artwork/print/embroidery placements locked (files + dimensions + approvals)
- Packaging spec locked (folding, polybag, hangers, carton marking)
Evidence to request (optional)
- Final spec summary signed off by both sides (1–2 pages)
3) Samples and approvals
- Sample stage defined (proto / fit / size set / PP sample)
- PP sample approval status recorded (approved / approved w comments / revise)
- Approved sample kept as reference standard (location + owner identified)
- No-change-after-approval rule confirmed (or change-control process defined)
4) Materials and trims readiness
- Fabric quality parameters confirmed (GSM, composition, width, shrinkage)
- Fabric shade band / lab dip approvals recorded (if applicable)
- Trim approvals recorded (zippers, buttons, labels, elastics, threads)
- Substitute policy defined (what can/can’t be substituted without approval)
- Material lot/batch tracking method agreed (especially for repeatability)
Risk trigger
Any ‘to be confirmed later’ item in trims or fabric should have an owner and date.
5) Compliance scope and evidence expectations
- Applicable standards confirmed (e.g., BSCI / SEDEX / OEKO-TEX, buyer code)
- What evidence is required for this order defined (documents, test reports, photos)
- What is out of scope explicitly stated (to avoid implied promises)
- Restricted substances / chemical requirements acknowledged (where relevant)
- Subcontracting policy stated (allowed / not allowed; approval and disclosure rules)
6) Production plan and critical path
- Critical path shared with dates (cutting start, sewing start, finishing, ex-factory)
- Line allocation plan confirmed (lines, shifts, capacity assumptions)
- Daily/weekly output expectation agreed (realistic vs target)
- Bottlenecks identified (printing, washing, embroidery, trims arrival)
- Escalation path agreed (who decides when timeline slips)
7) Quality control plan
- Quality standard agreed (AQL level and definitions)
- Inline QC checkpoints defined (what is checked and at what stage)
- Critical defects list agreed (what triggers hold/rework)
- Measurement check frequency agreed (per bundle / per size / per batch)
- Final inspection plan defined (who, when, and what documentation)
Practical control
Confirm who owns rework cost and timeline impact if defects appear late.
8) Subcontracting and process visibility
- Any outsourced processes disclosed (printing, embroidery, washing, finishing)
- Locations and responsible parties documented
- Movement control defined (how goods transfer is tracked and approved)
- Buyer visibility expectation agreed (updates, photos, evidence, site access if applicable)
9) Packing, labeling, and carton readiness
- Size ratio packing rules confirmed
- Carton marking template approved (style, colour, size range, PO, country)
- Barcode / label rules confirmed (format, placement, scans)
- Polybag warnings / sustainability requirements confirmed (EU-specific needs)
- Seal/strapping requirements confirmed (if used)
10) Shipment documentation and handover
- Document list confirmed (invoice, packing list, COO, test reports as needed)
- Data fields agreed (HS code, composition, addresses, weights, carton counts)
- Document review step defined before dispatch (who checks, what is validated)
- Freight forwarding handover process agreed (timing and responsibilities)
Minimum control set if time is limited
- Tech pack version control + PP sample approval record
- Materials readiness + substitution policy
- Critical path + line allocation reality check
- AQL + critical defects + final inspection plan
- Subcontracting policy + disclosure rules
- Packing/labeling + documentation checklist
Document control
Where this checklist refers to verification or evidence, it should be read as verified per engagement: scoped, time-bound, and documented for a specific order—not as ongoing supplier status.
Need a scoped version for a live order?
This resource is still being prepared. If you need a version of this structure applied to an active or planned order, we can scope it per engagement.