An analysis of the product-process matrix and repetitive manufacturing

Researchers in management and marketing theory have long postulated a role between and management strategies used for the production process and for the products. Hayes and Wheelright (1979a) developed the product-process matrix to describe the relationship and in a following article (1979b) they identified strategic consequences implied by the matrix. During the 1980s confusion arose concerning the proper identification of the process categories used in the product-process matrix. Further, confusion arose concerning the role of repetitive manufacturing as a production category when just-in-time methods were explored. An empirical study was conducted to properly identify the role of repetitive manufacturing and to better define the categories used in the product-process matrix