Mass customisation

Mass customization is

• Combines job production with mass production to customize products to suit individuals
• Used when a continuous conversion of inputs results in a continuous finished product.  Inputs may include heat, time, pressure
• Producing a one-off item specifically designed for the customer
• Products are made in separate groups with each group going through the complete process together

Examples of mass customization

• computers and automobile assembly
• soda and pencils
• Wedding cakes and draperies
• cinnamon rolls

Advantage of mass customization

• high setup costs, boring repetitive tasks, demotivating for employees

• capable of producing large quantities with a process that is normally automated. Ideal for products that have to be a consistent quality

• designs include customized elements to standardized parts reducing consumer alienation, differentiated products

  for consumers, low unit cost for “customized” product,

  reducing boring and repetitive tasks

• very inexpensive production costs

Disadvantage of mass customization

• high level of “work-in-progress” for

  each stage of production, the work may be boring and demotivating for workers, if batches are small unit costs may be high, cleaning may need to be completed between batches

• enables economy of scale if batches are large enough, batches can be matched to demand, batch design can be changed

• limited opportunity to make different versions of product; expensive and disruptive if the production process has to be stopped

• high setup costs and equipment costs

This is the use of flexible computer-aided manufacturing systems to mass-produce products that are custom designed for the individual customer

• mass customization

• job-lot customization

• production

Which of the following is an example of custom production?

• a birthday cake with decorations you choose

• cellphones

• t-shirts for the Summer Olympics

Which of the following is an example of mass customization?

• bridge construction

• the Nike website that lets you customize your own sneakers

• custom made skateboards