1. Textiles Systems & Control
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2. Learning objectives Learning objectives
To understand what a system is.
To be able to split a working system into its inputs, processes and outputs.
To understand open and closed loop systems, including feedback and control.
To draw flow charts using the correct symbols.
To make and understand schedules.
Learning objectives
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3. What is a system?
A system is a series of processes which control the manufacture of a product. Every time you finish a textile item you complete a circuit of the system.
It is important that these processes occur in the correct order, or problems will occur.
Each system has inputs and outputs. The processes transform the inputs into the outputs.
Products should be checked at different stages of the system to ensure that the system works effectively and to check the quality of the products.
Controls can be altered to take account of this feedback and improve the way a system works.

4. Which inputs are involved in using an iron?
Inputs are the factors that start the manufacturing process.
Primarily, these are the materials, energy and labour that will be used in manufacturing.
However, inputs can also be the movement of a switch, for example, the pressing of a sewing machine foot pedal.
Your client will also give you information that will be used.
Which inputs are involved in using an iron?

5. Processes
Processes are all the actions that are undertaken in the manufacturing process.
For example:
cutting out your pattern from the given fabric
sewing seams, hems and including fastenings
pressing and quality checks
labelling and packaging.
Which processes are involved in sewing a zip?

6. Outputs
Outputs are the final outcomes, not solely the finished textile item. Outputs could include:
your fabric garment or textile item
your item packaged and ready for shipping
a clean and tidy workshop/factory, after all waste has been disposed of.

7. Inputs, processes and outputs

8. Open loop systems
There are two main types of systems – open looped systems and closed looped systems.
An example of an open loop system is a sewing machine:
INPUT
Press the pedal
PROCESS
Machine registers
OUTPUT
Needle starts sewing
Open loop systems are controlled by human intervention. To enable the sewing machine to work, the pedal needs to be compressed. A connection is made and the needle starts sewing.
Suggested answers:
Inputs: Thread, electricity, fabric
Processes: Feeding the fabric through the sewing machine, the mechanisms in the sewing machine starting to turn, the needle starting to move
Outputs: The sewn fabric, the spool of thread being used up, any waste materials
Make your own version of the diagram above, but in more detail – try to find three things for each section.

9. Closed loop systems
An example of a closed loop system is an iron that can monitor its own temperature.
OUTPUT
It reaches the desired temp. and stops heating up
INPUT
The iron is turned on
PROCESS
The iron heats up
When the iron has cooled down, the feedback tells it to heat up again.
FEEDBACK
Is the iron hot enough?
Above is an example of a closed loop system with feedback. The iron regulates its own temperature without anyone else having to. When it cools down too much, a trigger will tell it to
heat up again.

10. Terminator (start/finish)
Flow charts
Flow charts are used when designers are planning a sequence of events.
As well as these linear events, feedback can be included.
Flow line
Terminator (start/finish)
Input/
output
Flow line arrow
Process
Preparation
Decision
Junction

11. Flow charts
Start
Pin and tack side seam 2
Thread drawstring
Pin and tack c/f seam
Sew side seam 2
Try on
Sew c/f seam
Pin hems No
Right stitch
lengths & seam allowance?
Here is a detailed flow diagram for making a pair of trousers for a little boy:
Pin and tack c/b seam
Tack hems
Yes
Pin & tack inside leg seam
Sew c/b seam
Are the
stages above
ok? No
Sew inside leg seam
Pin and tack side seam 1
Yes
Pin and tack top of trousers
Iron
Sew side seam 1
Sew around top
Finish

12. Flow charts

13. Gantt charts

14. How much do you know?

15. Key points
A system consists of inputs, processes, outputs and feedback.
Open loop systems require human intervention, whereas closed loop systems do not.
Flow charts use different shapes to signify different parts of a system.
A Gantt chart can be a useful method of planning manufacturing or production processes.
Key points
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