Quick Changeover for Apparel Factories: The SMEP Approach
By Dr. Charles Dagher

In today’s fast-paced fashion industry, the ability to adapt quickly to new orders is no longer a luxury—it's a competitive necessity. This practical guide introduces SMEP (Single Minute Exchange of Process), a pioneering strategy developed specifically for apparel factories to slash order changeover times and boost productivity in high-variety, small-lot environments.

Drawing on Lean principles adapted from Toyota’s SMED system, Dr. Charles Dagher redefines changeover strategy for the realities of labor-intensive garment manufacturing. Through real-world examples, value engineering concepts, and step-by-step tools, readers will learn how to redesign layouts, streamline processes, and build agile teams capable of executing rapid changeovers—without compromising quality or performance.

Whether you’re a factory manager, industrial engineer, or apparel strategist, this book delivers proven techniques to unlock higher labor utilization, reduce idle time, and build a more responsive, cost-efficient production system.

A must-read for any apparel operation aiming to thrive in the era of small-batch, quick-turnaround fashion.