A revision log shows what changed, why it changed, which files and samples are affected, who approved it, and when the change becomes effective. A buyer gets a clearer result when this decision is recorded before sampling instead of being left to an informal message or a visual reference alone.
This guide is a practical planning aid, not a substitute for the accepted quotation, approved sample, or written project specification. ZM Exports works from buyer-approved inputs; final materials, methods, quantities, prices, lead times, and delivery requirements remain project-specific.
Key takeaways
- Give every file a revision and date.
- Describe the exact affected area.
- Link the change to evidence and approval.
- Remove superseded files from active use.
1. Define the decision before requesting work
A revision log shows what changed, why it changed, which files and samples are affected, who approved it, and when the change becomes effective. Start by identifying what is fixed, what is still being compared, and who can approve the decision. A concise written brief prevents a sample from answering the wrong question.
Give the style or project a revision name and date. Keep images, comments, measurements, and files connected to that same revision so an older idea is not accidentally treated as the current instruction.
2. Supply inputs that can be checked
Use one row for each change with style code, document name, old and new revision, affected area, reason, source comment, owner, decision date, and next action. Link to the current drawing, measurement chart, artwork, material record, or sample.
Where a visual direction is important, identify the reference, the feature to copy or avoid, and the acceptable range. A photograph alone rarely defines construction, material behaviour, scale, colour, or finish well enough for production use.
3. Use the sample to answer the right questions
During review, confirm the physical sample and the written log agree. If a change is visible on the garment but absent from the pack, record it before treating the sample as a valid production reference.
Record comments against the actual sample or proof version. State whether a comment changes fit, material, construction, decoration, packing, or only a presentation detail, then issue the next revision in writing.
4. Release the approved direction with control
Release only the current controlled files and archive superseded versions away from active production use. Communicate urgent changes with a clear effective point and confirmation that the affected team has received them.
Any change to the approved input can affect the result. Re-open the affected review when the material, component, artwork, size range, quantity split, destination, packaging, or production method changes.