Dell
Ford
- Few suppliers at one tier
- Modular and standardized parts
- Short lead times
- Few design variations
- Skips distribution in direct Internet
sales
- Builds a computer only after order is
received
- Pays for parts after receiving payment
for end product
- Numerous suppliers at different tiers
- Lots of unique parts
- Long lead times
- Numerous design variations
- Distribution to dealers integral to
supply strategy. Internet strategy
unsuccessful (Eisenstein, 2003)
- Products are built far in advance of
sales.
- Parts are purchased weeks or months
in advance of assembly!sale.