Learning curve is of the most important tool to improve efficiency. Know what is learning curve and how to apply learning curve in textile industries.

1. What is learning curve? Application of learning curve
in textile industries
Written By: Foyjun Nahar Khan
Department: Apparel engineering
Bangladesh university of Textiles

2. What is learning curve?
Definition:
• A learning curve means a graphical representation that shows the relationship between output
of a product and time. The target of learning curve is to find out how the performance of the
workers are improving over time or how cost of production of a particular product is
decreasing over time.
• Learning curve was first described by Hermann Ebbinghaus in 1885 and it was used to measure
production efficiency and to forecast cost.

3. Theory of learning curve:
Basic theory:
• Learning curve states that production rate of a particular product increases and cost of
production of that product decreases over time.
• Also, it is a matter to consider that, there can be a lot of factors that are responsible for
the improvement in performance (for example: using a work aid with the machine) but
here only learning over time is tracked.
• The basis of this model is the “Cumulative Average Model” described “factors affecting
the cost of airplanes” by T.P Wright in 1936. But now-a-days different variation of the
formula can be seen.

4. The original learning curve formula is:
Q= aXb
Here,
Q= the average time over the measured duration.
a= time to complete the task over the first time.
X= Total number of attempts
B= the slope of the function
Learning curve

5. Learning curve effect on textile and apparel production (case study):
Here is an example of learning curve application in the sewing floor:
Case:
• A garment industry has got a repeat order of a ‘tilly’ (ladies tank top). They have worked on that
order last summer. The IE officers record the data of the output garment in every hour.
• In the following graph we shall see the data collected for 5 days, at 10 am and at 11 am.
Data of 10 am and 11 am:

6. Graphical representation of 10 am data:
Graphical representation of 11 am data:

7. This two graphs shows in the garment industry learning curve generally follows complex
curve or “S” curve and also the shape may change every day.
Conclusion: Implementation of learning curve can have a positive impact on the
performance of the company and also it helps the IE officers to monitor the progress of
a particular style and estimate the order completion date.
For more information click the link below:
What is learning curve? | Application of learning curve in textile and apparel
industries | Types of learning curve