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Abstract Explains that postponed manufacturing applications are a combination of form, time and place postponement in which final processing of generic base products to meet customer specifications at central locations in the supply chain is followed by delivery to customers. Postponed manufacturing has been coming to the forefront as an innovative supply chain arrangement in a multitude of industries, including the food industry. As little is known about the implementation of the concept by manufacturers, the feasibility of such operating systems for the food industry warrants analysis. Aims to develop a set of operating characteristics which help determine the viability of postponed manufacturing in a decision model. Demonstrates, via case results of a wine producer, that postponed manufacturing applications can contribute to integral supply chain improvements.
Remko van Hoek (1997) studied this question.