📅 T&A Planning in Garment Merchandising – Complete Guide

Time and Action (T&A) Planning is one of the most critical tools in garment merchandising. Whether you're working with a fast fashion brand or a long-lead seasonal collection, managing timelines properly ensures you meet buyer expectations, avoid shipment delays, and maintain production efficiency.

This guide will walk you through the meaning, importance, components, and creation of a practical T&A plan in garment merchandising—perfect for textile engineers, merchandisers, factory managers, and even sourcing teams.

 

🔍 What is T&A Planning in Garment Merchandising?

T&A stands for Time and Action. It’s a calendar-based production plan that outlines what actions need to be done and when, from order confirmation to shipment.

It provides a roadmap of key activities, assigns responsibilities, and sets deadlines to monitor progress and avoid missing delivery dates.

 

✅ Why T&A Planning Is Essential

Without proper T&A planning, even small delays in sampling, fabric sourcing, or approvals can have a domino effect on production and shipment. Here's why T&A is so important:

• ⏱ Ensures On-Time Delivery
• 📈 Improves Workflow Efficiency
• ✅ Minimizes Errors & Miscommunication
• 🤝 Builds Buyer Trust & Professionalism
• 💰 Reduces Cost Due to Delays or Air Shipments

 

🧵 Common Activities in a T&A Plan

A garment order goes through several steps, each needing a specific timeline. Below is a list of activities typically found in a T&A chart:

Activity	Description
Order Confirmation	Buyer confirms order with PO
Tech Pack Received	Complete tech pack and artwork received
Lab Dip Submission	First lab dip sent for approval
Lab Dip Approval	Buyer approves or comments on color shade
Strike Off Submission	Print/motif strike off sent
Strike Off Approval	Buyer approves/rejects strike off
Fabric Booking	Fabric ordered from supplier
Trim Booking	Labels, buttons, zippers, etc. booked
Fabric In-House	Fabric arrives at factory
Trims In-House	Trims arrive at factory
Sample Submission	Fit/Pre-Production sample sent
Sample Approval	Buyer approval of sample
Bulk Cutting	Cutting of fabric for production
Sewing Start	Stitching of garments starts
Finishing	Final QC and packing
Final Inspection	Buyer or third-party QC check
Shipment Date	Goods dispatched

 

📋 Example of a T&A Plan Table

Activity	Start Date	End Date	Responsible Person	Status
Order Confirmation	01 July	01 July	Buyer	Done
Tech Pack Received	01 July	03 July	Buyer	Done
Lab Dip Submission	05 July	07 July	Dyeing Unit	Pending
Lab Dip Approval	07 July	09 July	Buyer	-
Fabric Booking	09 July	11 July	Merchandiser	-
Fabric In-House	20 July	25 July	Store	-
Sample Submission	10 July	15 July	Sample Dept	-
PP Sample Approval	16 July	18 July	Buyer	-
Sewing Start	26 July	30 July	Production	-
Final Inspection	08 Aug	08 Aug	QA Team	-
Shipment	10 Aug	10 Aug	Shipping Dept	-

This kind of live tracking chart ensures every department knows their task and deadline.

 

📌 Tips for Creating an Effective T&A Plan

1. Break Down Each Task: List every possible action—don’t generalize.
2. Assign Responsibility: Make it clear who handles what.
3. Use Backward Planning: Start from shipment date and go backward.
4. Update Frequently: A T&A plan is a live document. Update regularly.
5. Use Software or Excel Tools: Use tools like Excel, Google Sheets, Trello, or ERP systems for easier collaboration.
6. Flag Delays Immediately: If any task gets delayed, inform related departments and adjust the plan.

 

🛠 Tools for T&A Planning

Tool	Description
Excel Sheet	Most widely used and easy to customize
Google Sheets	Real-time collaboration with buyer or team
ERP Software	Integrated systems for larger factories
Trello/Asana	Visual boards for T&A monitoring
ClickUp/Monday.com	Project management platforms for advanced T&A workflows

 

👨‍💼 Role of Merchandiser in T&A Planning

The merchandiser is the key driver of the T&A plan. Their responsibilities include:

• Preparing the T&A chart after order confirmation.
• Coordinating with all departments (fabric, trims, sampling, QA).
• Following up on buyer approvals.
• Updating the chart and reporting to management/buyers.
• Highlighting risks or possible delays in advance.

 

🧠 Real-Life Example (Bangladesh Context)

Suppose Green Fabricare Limited receives an order from the Happy Hour buyer in Australia for 10,000 pcs Graphic Tees with a shipment date of August 15. The merchandiser prepares a T&A chart starting from July 1. Lab dip submission, strike off approval, fabric in-house, PP sample, and all actions are planned backward from the ship date.

By closely monitoring each date, the team ensures no delay, even with a tight production timeline. This builds buyer confidence and increases repeat orders.

 

🚫 Common Mistakes in T&A Planning

Mistake	Consequence
No buffer time	Delay due to holidays, strikes, QC issues
Ignoring approval delays	Bulk start without approval risks rejection
Not assigning responsibilities	Miscommunication and blaming
No regular updates	Outdated chart leads to shipment failure

 

🏁 Final Words

T&A Planning is not just a formality—it is a lifeline for garment production. A merchandiser who can plan, execute, and follow up on a T&A chart effectively becomes a key asset in any export house or buying office.

By using T&A planning correctly:

• You will ship on time.
• You’ll gain buyer trust.
• You’ll reduce stress and last-minute rush.
• And most importantly—you’ll build your professional reputation.