goali
...uct and relatively small number of product variations. Product design reflects the goal of continuous and reliable operations and the need to economize on raw materials. e.g. standardization of product design of most connectors (only 640 SKUs) or package only on tape and reels. Aim: to reduce costs and complexity. - Process technology: Pre-automatization philosophy and principle that it is better to use an old, reliable process than a new, less reliable one (continuous improvement of existing proven processes). The process is running smoothly without inventory, on a continuous basis. Focus on molding is the third element of KawasakiŽ s approach to process technology. The fourth is its reliance on in-house technology development (in-house technology development group): to prevent to rely too much on equipment vendors. Goal: build 100% of its molds in-house. A final element of its technology strategy was the inter-functional coordination of all its technology development activities (working in concert to achieve efficient resource utilization, design quality and manufacturability, smooth manufacturing introduction, shorter development cycle and continuous process improvement) -Sourcing: Close relationships with few suppliers of its key raw materials. Suppliers had to meet rigorous quality standards and certify the quality of their products in every delivery. Not further inspection. Quality improvement perceived as a joint effort. Frequent delivery to maintain raw material inventories that averaged only 5 days (small warehouse and less resources devoted to managing and controlling raw material stocks) - Production and Inventory control: production runs are scheduled to be as long as possible (on average a production run of a particular model lasts one week). Long runs are possible because of the limited number of SKUŽ s produced at the plant. To facilitate long runs, change to product schedule is not permitted. All aspects of the process and plant layout are designed to achieve a smooth flow of materials and to minimize work-in-process inventory. Hence, few resources have to be devoted to inventory control. Processing lead times and work-in process inventories: average 2 days. However maintains a relatively high finished goods inventory of 56 days. - Manufacturing plays a key role in the determination of strategy. The organization of the company and the balance of power between manufacturing and the sales/marketing division reflect the importance of manufacturing. - Workforce: Plant expected to become increasingly automated. Aim to gradually reduce the number of direct production workers as well as support and overhea...