Hello Friends,
I found one good article by SAP Make for Me future which discuss on an emerging production model called make-for-me.It discuss on different emerging technologies which can make this model a reality. it also discuss on what changes it brings in existing manufacturing systems.I have tried to summarize this document. for reading full document visit following links
Explaining Make to Me Production Model
Currently there are two main production strategies being applied in manufacturing i.e Make to stock and Make to Order. In both this strategy companies receives only necessary inputs from customers like size quality etc. but the design of that product is made by the company itself. But what happens if company provides customer control to design their own products? i.e. make your own product. This can be now possible as technologies like 3D printing and CNC machines are becoming affordable and collaboration technologies are getting wide spread.for
for e.g.
- Volkswagen who provided their customers to design their carmaker's Polo version by controling 3D printers.
- Cococola has created its freestyle retail fountain where buyers get ability to create their own flavours
- Ford Motors has created a modular enginges which can be created in different variations like from 4.8 litres to 6.8 litres
What are those emerging technologies which supports this model
- 3D Printing which will be affordable and it will also possible to build up layers of materials like ceramics, steel, bronze etc besides plastics.
- Computer numerical control (CNC) machines: As cost of computing powers gets decrease it become affordable to replace man operated machines like mills, lathes routers etc.
- Laser-powered machines:
- 3D scanners
- Single-ply cutting machines
- Collaborative technologies (as per my view)
What changes will bring to traditional manufacturing facilities and supply chains?
- Retooling production lines and back-end systems to increase agility: Tools can be swapped out easily to manufacture different variations of products based on need rather than guessing on demands.
- Giving Customers tools to customise: Providing ability to customers to design their own products
- Change in Information Technologies: According to Peter Spielvogel companies will require an ability to track the records of individual customers over different channels which will require big data and real time analytics.
- Customer Co Innovation.
SAP has inquired some of the Manufacturing experts about whether this model can be viable in light of existing mass production. According to them
Mass production is cost efficient but it will require sacrificing of some of their needs on the part of customer in exchange of cost and efficiencies. Also changing sociological mindset will effect the buying pattern of customers who will focus more on quality and customisation of product rather than qunatity.
So what are your views on how it will affect Mill Products and Mining industry?
Hope it would be helpful.
Regards,
Pratik
References