Manufacturing in a Two-speed World

Manufacturing in a Two-speed World: Whether a company operates in a high-growth or slow-growth market, lean products and systems are a must. They allow companies in low-growth markets to respond quickly to customer needs, and in high-growth markets they keep costs down while supporting customization and rapid increases in output when needed. Another step up in efficiency: shared production platforms that allow high-end and low-end products to be built at the same facility -- sometimes even on the same assembly line. But all of these considerations -- including geographic location and labor costs -- must be balanced against logistical costs and risks. Customers want lower cost and quick delivery.