Making industry fit: the conceptualization of a generic ´fit´ manufacturing strategy for industry

In order for companies to remain competitive in this increasingly complex and demanding global market, they must discover innovative ways in which to manage their production operations effectively and efficiently. Systems strategies such as leanness and agility allow companies to deliver bottom-line savings but their effectiveness in achieving this depends on the volume and demand profile of their product. The new trend in mass customization requires companies to provide personalized products and services at mass production prices. This now places further burdens on companies and therefore a new systems strategy must be developed in order to ensure that the factory of the future is able to meet this new demand. This paper proposes the basic concept of ´fit´ manufacture. It tackles the subject at a strategic level with the aim of stimulating interest in the development of a new manufacturing paradigm that would enable companies to remain competitive in a mass customization environment