Process Selection

1. What type of product flow do they use?
Boeing uses a project process type of product flow. The company makes large aircrafts; therefore, each airplane is assembled at a work center with materials and labor brought to the work center. Boeing has a complex schedule that has to satisfy the work balance across all the different planes projects. To create Boeing airplanes and space shuttles highly skilled labor must be used which is another feature of project process. Everything has to be scheduled and must meet the requirements for on time delivery of the airplanes.
2. What type of customer order do they process?
Boeing uses Make-to-Order process as type of customer order because the products that are made by Boeing are customer-specified and are very expensive. Make-to-order process is used by Boeing because it’s all about the customers’ needs. Boeing represents its model of the plane to the customers before the order is placed. Afterwards, materials are prearranged if not already done so in order to begin the production of the aircraft. After the plane is assembled, it’s delivered to the customer; the customer pays for the order delivered and the whole cycle is successfully completed. Make-to-Order process takes a lot of time because Boeing has to design the aircraft, make the aircraft and deliver it to its customers.
3. Which cell do they fall into the process characteristic matrix?
Boeing falls into Project/Make-to-order process characteristic matrix because every aircraft is uniquely made for each customer.
4. What are some of the factors influencing their process selection?
The factors that may influence Boeing’s process selection would be the competition, market conditions, and capital requirements such as budget, labor, supply, technology and cost overall. Airplanes are not like potato chips that a manufacturer can pour into a bag, each plane is different. Making an airplane requires large capital, skilled labor and up to date technology to guarantee the satisfaction of the customers’ needs.
5. Can they adopt any of the mass customization methods discussed?
Boeing Co. already adapted Customization to their airplanes, since different Airlines request different seating arrangements, different entertainment systems, etc. To fulfill the airline’s needs, Boeing spends a lot of capital on customizing these airplanes piece by piece. If Boeing was to use mass customization, it would be a great way to use resources such as money and labor more efficient. Postponement of option would be a fitting form of mass customization for Boeing. This way, the airplanes could be mass produced and customized later on, in a different facility to fit the costumer’s needs. Seats and entertainment system, also carpets and curtains could be added later on to fulfill any airlines wants and expectations.