Merchandising template

Merchandising Time and Action (T&A) Plan

A time and action plan that counts back from the ex-factory date: tasks, responsible person, lead time before ex-factory, planned date, actual date, delay in days and status.

What this template does#

The T&A plan lists the tasks needed to deliver an order and calculates each planned date by counting back from the ex-factory date. As tasks finish, you enter the actual date, and the sheet shows the delay in days. Rows with positive delays show where the order is slipping.

The example task list and lead times show the format only. Replace them with your buyer's process and your own lead times. See time and action plan.

When to use it#

  • As soon as an order is confirmed.
  • In weekly order review meetings.
  • To share status with the buyer where agreed.

How to complete it#

  1. Enter the order and ex-factory date.
  2. Edit the task list to match the product and buyer: add washing, printing, embroidery, testing or certification tasks as needed.
  3. Set days before ex-factory for each task from your records.
  4. Check the first planned date is not already in the past. If it is, the order is at risk from the start.
  5. Enter actual dates as tasks complete, and record reasons for delays.

Notes#

  • Planned dates are calendar dates. If a date falls on a holiday, adjust the lead time.
  • Highlight critical path tasks, usually fabric and approvals.
  • Keep one T&A per order or per delivery.

Common mistakes#

  • Using generic lead times instead of supplier-specific ones.
  • Not recording actual dates, so delays are discovered late.
  • Tracking only production tasks and not approvals.

Download formats#

The Excel workbook calculates planned dates and delays. The CSV contains headings and the example task list.

Field guide

FieldWhat to enter
Order or style and ex-factory dateHeader details. Every planned date counts back from the ex-factory date.
Task and responsibleOne row per task with one responsible person or department.
Days before ex-factoryLead time for the task, counted back from ex-factory. Edit these from your own records.
Planned dateCalculated: ex-factory date minus days before ex-factory.
Actual date and delayEnter the actual completion date; delay in days is calculated.
Status and remarksOpen, in progress or closed, and notes on delays and actions.

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