On the other hand, a firm like Allen Autoparts, involved in producing chassis and drivetrain auto parts, operates in an environment where change is rapid. Product and processes are constantly being redesigned and improved, and stiff national and international competitors are always present. The competitive environment demands that firms offer customized products and services to diverse customer segments . This, in turn, means that firms must find cost-efficient ways of producing high-variety, low-volume product and paying more attention to linkages between the firm and its suppliers and customers .