answer the two discussion questions

Article 2: OM in the News: The Challenges of Mass Customization in Manufacturing SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 tags: Boeing, Dell, manufacturing, mass customization by Barry Render COMMENT Two Today's consumers are not content with standard products but are looking for differentiated and personalized goods or services. Thanks to the new information technologies and innovative manufacturing processes, mass customization (see our discussion in Chapter 7) has become widely available. This combination of mass production and customization aims to provide unique products or services on a large scale and at a relatively low cost. It can improve profitability, just as it can help boost customer satisfaction and win brand loyalty. One in five consumers are willing to pay a 20% premium for customization service, reports New Equipment Digest (Sept. 15, 2021). For instance, in the fashion industry, more people are now looking for personalized clothes, handbags, and shoes. Although customers might be willing to pay more for a customized product, there might be neither time nor budget for full product inspection. Therefore, manufacturers must work with suppliers who can deliver high-quality materials on time to minimize production costs and shorten lead times. The supply chain also needs to be adaptable, with every node able to communicate effectively to others so that they are all aware of any changes in demand. Supply chain visibility software can help manufacturers be aware of what's happening across an extended supply chain so that they can react quickly when unexpected circumstances affect the delivery of goods. Customer involvement in product configuration is inherent in the process, meaning that sales, marketing, distribution, and manufacturing all need to have great understandings of customer requirements. Customers who visit Dell's website, for example, can directly talk to the staff about their personal requirements. After choosing suitable products, customers can order them with a simple click. From inventory and manufacturing to marketing and logistics, all the departments can process the transaction at the same time.. Since manufacturers are producing goods based on customers' unique requirements, a highly flexible manufacturing process is important. Companies that are able to organize their modular product design properly tend to have a more agile manufacturing system. For instance, Boeing classifies a huge number of parts for its planes into 3 types: standardized, configured to a fixed set of options, or customized. This modular product design streamlines the process of ordering, engineering, and manufacturing, leading to a more cost-effective and time-saving customization process. Classroom discussion questions: 1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of mass customization? 2. Provide examples of products/services (beside Dell and shoes) that you have ordered that have been mass customized