Development of Quality Assurance Critical Control Point (QACCP) System for International Fashion Supply Chain Management

Abstract

from one organization to another. It is important and necessary to establish a comprehensive and secure communication system in international fashion supply chain management to eliminate information loss and ensure information can be transferred correctly. According to Chen et al (2004) specifications are used as a means of communication between buyers and sellers of products; between the manufacturers and contractors; between management and production workers; between designers, pattern makers, and samples makers; and among the divisions of a clothing firm. They state that inadequate specifications are the source of many problems. Quality standards are essential in order to produce quality food product. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) System used in food industry is also concerned with quality management, primarily safety. It is a powerful practical tool for formally identifying hazards in the food supply chains. Macdonald and Engel (2001) state that HACCP is a preventative system which can be used to control everything - raw materials, incoming supplies, preparation, storage, processing, transportation and operations. Several researchers suggest that QACCP system, an extended concept of HACCP system designed to manage quality assurance for food safety, could be a powerful practical tool for formally identifying hazards in any industry. In this study seven HACCP principles given by Mortimore and Wallace (1998) were followed to demonstrate how a QACCP system may be developed for the Sample Development and Approval process between the UK Retailer F and Chinese Shenzhen Manufacturer. Information required for the development of the system was collected from partly structured, part-standardised, part open-ended interviews with representatives of the companies. It is also shown in this study how the developed QACCP system may be verified to confirm that the system is working efficiently.