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SINGLE ITEM PRODUCTION

V. Ryan © 2002

 

This is when only one item is made and is sometimes called ‘one-off production’. Sometimes a company will make one item and test it to see if it works or if it needs to be improved. This is called a prototype. Single item manufacture usually involves skilled people carefully making a special product for a customer, such as a piece of jewellery.

CASE STUDY - SPECIALIST GUITAR MANUFACTURERS

     

Small company with highly skilled workers

 

This company is made up of three people. They make guitars for customers who are serious musicians and want an ‘exclusive’ design. When made, the guitar will be expensive because it will be hand made from quality materials and its manufacture will require individual craft skills as well as a long time.

   

A customer who wants a specialist service

 

Usually a customer will want an unusual or special item made, such as a five string bass guitar for a professional musician. An ordinary guitar will not produce the quality of sound that is needed.

   

The customer will need an individual service.

 

A customer who is prepared to spend a lot of money on a specially made product will want individual attention. A professional musician will want to try out a selection of guitars and see examples before deciding on the final design. This will include meeting regularly with the designer.

   

The customer will decide on the final design.

 

When the customer has discussed designs, materials and cost with the company he/she has to make the final decision regarding exactly the design they want. The designer often meets the musician to help him/her take important decisions until they are ready to make the bass guitar.

   

The final design is made by hand and takes a long time.

 

The guitar is made by skilled workers. This takes a long time and may take weeks to complete.

   

Customer receives guitar. Customer satisfaction ?

 

Customers are usually very pleased with the final product as they have been consulted throughout the design process.

     

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