Which of the following statements is true about manufacturing companies over the past 20 years?
A) The grouping of machines into "manufacturing cells" has increased.
B) Carrying large amounts of inventory is often less costly than carrying small amounts of inventory.
C) They have moved from a "pull" approach to more of a "push" approach.
D) The basic production process has changed very little over the past 20 years.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The grouping of machines into "manufacturing cells" has increased as a means of improving efficiency and reducing setup times in manufacturing companies over the past 20 years, according to industry experts.

Answer: B is incorrect because carrying large amounts of inventory can result in increased holding costs and waste due to spoilage or obsolescence. Manufacturing companies have focused on implementing just-in-time (JIT) and lean manufacturing techniques to reduce inventory levels and costs.

Answer: C is incorrect because the trend in manufacturing companies over the past 20 years has been towards a pull approach, where production is based on customer demand rather than a predictive push approach. The use of digital technology and real-time data analysis has enabled companies to better understand customer demand patterns and adjust production accordingly.

Answer: D is incorrect because the basic production process has undergone significant changes over the past 20 years due to advancements in technology and automation. Companies have adopted new manufacturing techniques and equipment to improve efficiency, quality, and flexibility.

Which of the Following Statements Is True About Manufacturing Companies