Right first time (RFT) is the percentage of garments, samples or tasks that are correct at the first check, with no repair or rework. It measures how often work is done correctly the first time.
The formula#
For garments, "passed without rework" means the garment had no defects at the first inspection.
Worked example#
End-of-line checkers inspect 600 garments. 552 pass with no defects; 48 are sent back for repair.
RFT = 552 / 600 × 100 = 92%
Defective % for the same data = 48 / 600 × 100 = 8%. For garments at a single check point, RFT and defective % add up to 100%.
RFT, DHU and defective %#
| Measure | Answers |
|---|---|
| RFT | How many units were correct the first time? |
| Defective % | How many units needed rework? |
| DHU | How many defects were there, per 100 units? |
A line can have a high RFT and still a meaningful DHU if a few garments have many defects. Use RFT with DHU, not instead of it.
Other uses of RFT#
RFT is used across a garment business, not only on the sewing line:
- Lab dips: share of lab dips approved at the first submission.
- Samples: share of development or pre-production samples approved without resubmission.
- Bulk shade: share of dye lots within shade tolerance at the first check.
- Inspections: share of final inspections passed at the first attempt.
- Documents: share of shipping documents accepted without correction.
Each needs a clear definition of what counts as "right".
Why RFT matters#
Every repair costs time, handling and sometimes damage to the garment. Rework also hides the real capacity of a line, because repaired garments often come back through the same operators. Improving RFT raises effective output without adding people.
Improving RFT on the line#
- Measure at the source: record defects by operation with inline inspection.
- Fix the top defects with root cause analysis, not just repairs.
- Train with standards: approved samples and photos of acceptable and unacceptable work at each station.
- Maintain machines: many defects come from needle, tension and feed problems.
- Check first pieces: after every style change, machine adjustment or operator change.
Common mistakes#
- Counting repaired garments as passed when they return to the checkpoint.
- Changing the definition between periods or lines, so numbers cannot be compared.
- Reporting RFT without volume: 100% RFT on 5 garments means little.
Use the RFT calculator and the RFT report template.
Worked example: sample RFT#
A merchandising team submitted 40 pre-production samples to buyers in a quarter. 29 were approved at the first submission; 11 needed resubmission.
RFT = 29 / 40 × 100 = 72.5%
Looking at the 11 rejections: 5 were fit comments, 3 were color, 2 were trim errors and 1 was a measurement error. Fit comments are the largest group, which points to pattern checking before submission. The same logic works for lab dips, where RFT shows how well the dyehouse matches shades.
Related guides#
- Final inspection: first-time pass rate at final inspection.
- Sewing defects: the defects that most often need rework.
- Pantone color guide and its application in textile: lab dip approval, another place RFT is measured.
Frequently asked questions#
What is a good RFT? It depends on the product, the check point and how strict the definition is. Compare the same line or process over time rather than using a target from another factory.
Can RFT be measured per operator? Yes, from inline checks: the share of checked pieces from that operator with no defects. It is useful for training decisions.
Should RFT include minor defects? Decide and write down the rule. Most factories count any defect that requires rework, whatever its class.