The motorized push cart can be customized according to the needs of clients. For example, since the pushcart frames are custom-created in the same way, the size of the motorized push cart can be customized by adjusting the lengths of the metals used to make the frames. Mass customization is the application of standardized as well as scale economies to produce wide-market products customized according to client needs in large numbers and at a reasonably reduced cost (Jeff, 2014). This process strategy applies independent modules to customize products into a variety of functionalities that align with the end user's specifications. Therefore, customers can request customization of the motorized pushcart. However, this can only be done if large numbers of pushcart are required. Through this process, clients can have the motorized cart have the features they like. The product's components are modular; hence flexibility will ensure that customers can mix and match choices to have a custom cart.
Degree of Capital Intensity (Manual Vs. Automated)
Mass customization is a capital-intensive process that requires standardization and automation. The initial investment or money in terms of the necessary technology, skills, and change requires a lot of capital (Jeff, 2014). However, the long-term benefits can be high because the company may not require to purchase heavy machinery for mass customization. Mass customization is labor-intensive, and therefore, automation is needed. However, in this case, partial automation can be more effective. It is more cost-effective and feasible because of the conditions involved in the production process. Some production operations can be automated, while others can make use of manual labor. Most production equipments are semi-automated. In mass customization of the motorized pushcart, the production process's control operations can be partially automated.
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Desired Resource Flexibility (Workforce and Machines)
Mass customization requires flexible resources. They must be flexible to achieve the client's requirements or preferences. The process does not use a finished products inventory because it is customized (Hill, 2017). The absence of an inventory is advantageous because it is associated with reduced carrying costs. However, it is also disadvantageous because clients would be required to wait. A flexible process requiring a high volume of a product would translate into the desired type of cart. The process can apply innovations that enhance flexibility, such as modular design. Besides, lean operations and more use of IT to control production equipment can be helpful. For example, customizing the motorized pushcart's size by adjusting the metals used can be a very flexible and easy way to customize the product.
Degree of Vertical Integration
The mass customization process would require a high degree of vertical integration. To ensure that client’s needs are met, it is essential that the company has more control of its suppliers, those involved in distribution, and its retail locations (Hill, 2017). By doing so, the company can regulate the product's value. Besides, increased vertical integration can help the costs associated with pushcart's mass customization and enhance efficiencies.
Degree of Consumer Involvement in the Process (Such as Customization)
Customers are highly involved in the process to ensure that their needs and choices are met. In most cases, clients find it challenging to decide on the features they want, communicate, and act on the decisions they make (Hill, 2017). However, an elicitation process can help clients make decisions by guiding them through finding what they want. Besides, such as elicitation can reduce the expenses linked to a client's laborious search. Therefore, to customize the pushcart, the company would require an elaborate way of gathering information from the client to ensure that all the customer's specifications are included. This mechanism is known as a configurator.
References
Hill, T. (2017). Manufacturing Strategy: The Strategic Management of the Manufacturing Function . Macmillan International Higher Education.
Jeff, H. (2014). PowerPoint presentation to accompany Heizer, Render, Munson Operations Management, Thirteenth Edition Principles of Operations Management, Eleventh Edition [ppt].
