How it works
Raise → Collaborate → Review → Approve → Track
Every request in cbThread moves the same way, whether the manufacturer raised it or the buyer did. Here’s each step, and what it looks like from each side.
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Step 1 of 5
Raise
A request starts on the manufacturer’s own form for its type, so a lab dip arrives with its season, fabric and Pantone, and a size set with whatever that form asks for. It gets a number of its own straight away.
Manufacturer
Raise a request for any buyer you work with. Team members see only the buyers they’re assigned to.
Buyer
Raise a request inside that manufacturer’s workspace, on the same form, and attach your files.
New Request
Request Type
Lab DipsSeason
SS27Color
Classic BlueCreate RequestPantone No.
19-4052 TCX -
Step 2 of 5
Collaborate
Questions, revisions and files go on the request itself. Both companies see the same thread, and everyone else on the request gets an email with a link straight to the new comment.
Manufacturer
Reply, upload the revised swatch or report, and keep the history in one place.
Buyer
Ask for changes and add reference files, without chasing anyone on another channel.
Comments
2 commentsHHannah Clarke
Northwind Apparel
YesterdayThanks, Priya. Option B is the closest, but it reads slightly green under TL84. Could you check it against the standard and send a revised B?
PPriya Nair
Demo Garments
3 hr agoChecked under D65 and TL84 — agreed, B leans green. We’ve re-dyed it as B1 with the green pulled back. The photo is under Attachments and the physical swatch goes out today.
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Step 3 of 5
Review
The request page holds everything the decision rests on: who raised it and when, the details from the form, every file and the whole conversation. The side that raised it can correct the details while it’s waiting, and the change is recorded.
Manufacturer
See at a glance what the buyer has in front of them.
Buyer
Review the details, the files and the discussion on one page.
Summary
Buyer
Northwind Apparel
Request Type
Lab Dips
Created By
Priya Nair
Demo Garments
Last Updated
02 Oct 2026
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Step 4 of 5
Approve
The buyer approves or rejects, and the decision is final. An approved request is locked (details, files and comments) as the record of what was agreed. A rejected request stays open for the conversation about why.
Manufacturer
See the decision the moment it’s made.
Buyer
Approve or reject in one step, with a confirmation first.
Your Decision
Demo Garments is waiting on your approval for this request. Your decision is final and they’ll see it straight away.
Approve RequestReject Request -
Step 5 of 5
Track
Dashboards on both sides show the totals, what’s pending, the latest requests and what just happened, so nobody has to ask for a status update.
Manufacturer
Request type cards light up only where work is pending; filter the full list by type, buyer or status.
Buyer
Awaiting Approval, New and Recently Completed, in one manufacturer’s workspace or across all of them.
Recent Activity
Request Approved
12 min ago
Comment Added
3 hr ago
Attachment Added
3 hr ago
Request Created
2 days ago
Getting started
From first conversation to first request
cbThread sets up each workspace with you, so there’s nothing to install and nothing to migrate.
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01
Your workspace is created
cbThread creates your manufacturer workspace, and your admin gets a welcome email with a sign-in. The first password is changed straight away.
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02
Guided setup
Your admin walks through request types, the form for each and your dashboard order, then activates the workspace.
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03
Your buyers are connected
cbThread connects the buyers you work with. Each gets a welcome email and a sign-in of its own; buyers never need a plan of their own.
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04
Requests start flowing
Your team and your buyers raise, discuss and decide requests. Add your team members and choose who works with which buyer.
See it happen
Watch all five steps on one request.
The guided tour follows a lab dip through every step, from both sides, with sample data.