Research the process of producing an expensive product (assume that it is something that must cost at least $1,000). After learning the steps that must be accomplished to produce such a product, address the following:
What would you expect the layout of a producing facility to look like (in other words, what is the process layout for such an operation)?
What would determine when someone had finished working on one of these products (in other words, how would someone know that it was time to work on producing the next unit)?
How would the efficiency of the production operation that you have envisioned be calculated (your answer should be specific to the type of product you selected, not just a general discussion of efficiency)?
From your research, are there any ways in which the production of the product could be made more efficient than the way that it is normally produced? If so, what recommendations could you make? If not, describe another way in which the product could be made, even if it was inefficient.
Justify your answers using examples and reasoning.
Full Answer Section
Process Layout
The layout of a luxury watch production facility is typically designed to optimize the flow of materials and components through the various stages of production. The facility is divided into several specialized departments, each with its own unique set of tools and equipment.
Material Preparation
The first step in the production process is to prepare the materials that will be used to make the watch. This includes cutting, shaping, and polishing the various metals and gemstones that will be used in the watch case, dial, and hands.
Movement Assembly
The movement, or heart of the watch, is one of the most complex components to produce. It is made up of hundreds of tiny parts that must be precisely assembled and calibrated to ensure accurate timekeeping.
Case Assembly
The watch case is the housing that protects the movement. It is typically made from a precious metal, such as gold or platinum, and is often adorned with intricate engravings or gemstones.
Dial and Hand Assembly
The dial is the face of the watch, and it is typically made from a high-quality material, such as enamel or mother-of-pearl. The hands are the pointers that indicate the time, and they are often made from a precious metal or a luminous material.
Final Assembly and Testing
Once all of the individual components have been assembled, the watch is then subjected to a series of rigorous tests to ensure that it is water-resistant, shock-resistant, and accurate.
Quality Control
Throughout the production process, each watch is subjected to numerous quality control checks to ensure that it meets the highest standards. Any defects that are found are immediately corrected.
Completion and Shipping
Once a watch has passed all of the quality control checks, it is then packaged and shipped to the customer. Each watch is typically accompanied by a warranty and a certificate of authenticity.
Efficiency Measures
The efficiency of a luxury watch production operation can be measured in a number of ways, including:
- Time to market: The amount of time it takes to produce a new watch model and bring it to market.
- Defect rate: The percentage of watches that are rejected due to defects.
- Production cost: The cost of producing a single watch.
- Customer satisfaction: The level of satisfaction that customers have with their watches.
Ways to Improve Efficiency
There are a number of ways in which the production of a luxury watch can be made more efficient. These include:
- Utilizing new technologies: New technologies, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), can be used to automate certain tasks and improve accuracy.
- Implementing lean manufacturing principles: Lean manufacturing principles, such as just-in-time inventory and Kanban, can be used to reduce waste and improve flow.
- Training and empowering employees: Employees can be trained and empowered to make decisions and solve problems, which can lead to increased efficiency.
- Continuous improvement: A culture of continuous improvement can be fostered by encouraging employees to suggest new ways to improve efficiency.
Conclusion
The production of a luxury watch is a complex and demanding process, but it is also a highly rewarding one. By using the latest technologies, implementing efficient practices, and empowering employees, luxury watchmakers can produce timepieces that are not only beautiful and accurate, but also made with the highest level of care and craftsmanship.