Published by:
Harvard Business Publishing
Length: 6 pages
Topics:
Manufacturing; Manufacturing strategy
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Abstract
American manufacturers have long sought to lower costs by increasing the scale of production--using faster lines to feed bigger machines. But bigger is not necessarily better. A better approach to competitive manufacturing is to think frugally. Approach mass production with highly focused minifactories--factories within factories--where machines are small, easily moved, highly dedicated, and organized according to the flow of work. The result will be high-quality, low-priced products, which most consumers value over variety. It will also allow quick changeover to the production of new and market-sensitive goods, which is important given shrinking product life cycles.
About
Abstract
American manufacturers have long sought to lower costs by increasing the scale of production--using faster lines to feed bigger machines. But bigger is not necessarily better. A better approach to competitive manufacturing is to think frugally. Approach mass production with highly focused minifactories--factories within factories--where machines are small, easily moved, highly dedicated, and organized according to the flow of work. The result will be high-quality, low-priced products, which most consumers value over variety. It will also allow quick changeover to the production of new and market-sensitive goods, which is important given shrinking product life cycles.