TAL: Question 5

Q5. Innovative Technology of TAL

New Technology for Product Development

TAL continues to invest in innovative technologies to ensure the garments produced are in high quality and performance which match consumers’ life styles and needs.

1. SofTAL Process

A proprietary process allows for production of a 100% cotton shirt that does not need ironing, ensure a wrinkle free pristine appearance and enhance color retention after numerous washes.

2. EZCOOL

A process allows the garment to dry twice as fast as a normal cotton product and ensure wrinkle free appearance.

3. TAL Pucker Free Seam Technology

A sewing technology which is patented in Europe and Japan that utilizes adhesive along the seams to prevent pockets, cuffs, arm-holes from being puckered.

4. Emboss

A proprietary process that use a softer and subtler treatment to replace embroidery or printing to make a permanent pattern or logo on 100% cotton garments.

5. Dot TAL

A deodorant technology which can prevent bacteria and mold grows on clothes and hence prevent unpleasant smell.

6. Expandable Waistband

A patented technology adjusts the right amount of natural elasticity to provide better breathing and long-lasting comfort clothes.

7, WOR-nano technology

A proprietary technology uses a resin system plus nano-scale chemical treatments to provide stain-resistant performance.

8. SofTAL Wool

A unique process provides machine-washable and tumble-dryable wool garments without shrinking or felting.

9. DriXpert

A special fabric treatment provides an outstanding moisture management to keep the skin cool and dry. Moisture on the skin is penetrated through the garment onto the outer surface of the fabric and then quickly evaporates.

Supply Chain Processes / Technologies

In order to keep a close relationship with customers to help them survive in a competitive market, TAL keeps on inventing innovative technologies and processes to satisfy each customer’s specific needs. TAL commits to provide a high-valued and tailor-made supply chain solution to enhance a responsive product delivery and inventory management to customers in the following ways:

1. Replenishment

A replenishment model which fabrics and other materials are procured based on demand forecasts provided by the customer. By applying this model, materials can be arrived just-in-time which TAL can smooth the production process and deliver the right amount of products at the right time. In this way, customers can be benefited from preventing out of stock and revenue loss.

2. X-Docking

By adopting the X-Docking system, garments produced are firstly barcoded and packed at TAL’s factories. Later when they arrive at customers’ distribution centers, they can simply be scanned and sent to truck directly and then transport to stores quickly. In this way, customers can be benefited from reducing inventory holding cost and production lead-time.

3, Vender Managed Inventory (VMI)

By employing this advanced program, customer’s inventory is monitored and managed by TAL directly. TAL does the demand creation and inventory replenishment based on point of sales information of customers’ stores. Then, TAL will deliver the products directly to each store without consulting its customers. It is estimated to at most 15 percent of inventory and operation cost can be saved for each customer.

4. Collaborative Planning, Forecasting & Replenishment (CPFR)

When there are any inaccuracies from the designed replenishment model based on sales data and market trends, CPFR system will send a warning to TAL and customer automatically and remind them to change the appropriate replenishment quantity. This system can allow TAL to work in close relationship with its customers.

5. Speed To Market

A process aims to reduce the costs and risks of newly issued product for customers. TAL holds a shipment which new products are sent to specific stores for testing and at the same time TAL will monitor the sales data. Then the best-selling product would be chosen to place orders and launch to all stores. In this way, customers can be avoided promoting large discount for new products.⁹

6. Floor Ready Merchandize (FRM)

All TAL merchandize are packed, tagged and priced before the delivery to save cost and reduce production lead-time for customers.

7. Made to Measure

A program aims to help customers to offer tailor-made apparels. After choosing the desired fitting and style of garment at store or on the Internet, the order will be sent to TAL directly for manufacturing. The personalized garment can be delivered directly to the customer in the US within three weeks.

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Reference:

TAL Group, n.d..TALTECHNOLOGIES. Available from: <http://www.talgroup.com/en/tal_technology.html>[7 Feb 2014]

TAL Group, n.d.. INNOVATIVESUPPLY.Available from: <http://www.talgroup.com/en/workingwith_tal.html>[7 Feb 2014]