Can you analyze this and ask a direct question at the end. Thank you so much for your help.

A cross functional team essentially is a group of individuals with expertise in different areas that work together to achieve the same end goal. A cross$-$functional team has the ability to harness diverse expertise and knowledge from personnel areas such as engineering, manufacturing and supply management.

Specification Development:

In regards to specifications development, engineers are capable of supplying the essential technical skills to set product specifications while making sure that designs meet particular standards, performance matrices and manufacturing capability. An example of this is defining the battery life on a new smart phone. The manufacturing personnel can contribute their knowledge on the realities of producing in creating suggestions regarding possible materials and processes that are more reliant with what a certain manufacturer is capable to produce or has constraints. An example of this is recommending a specific type of material that is cost effective and echo friendly. Supply managers can contribute through evaluating the availability and cost of raw materials and components to ascertain that they are also feasible as per specified material. An example of this is finding a vendor that has good prices and is trustworthy.

Market Analysis:

Insight that can be provided by engineers regarding emerging technologies and trends could be significant for the market team to guess future demands. An example of this is an augmented reality for a video game that is trending within the market. The manufacturing personnel can contribute by sharing valuable information on production capacity and if any flexibility is to be expected, allowing the team members align their product offerings with what capabilities were available. Supply managers can carry out analysis on the availability and cost of materials, helping to unearth possible SC risks as well opportunities. This can help ensure that they are making informed decisions based off of the information they have on the current market and potential future of it$.$

Productivity$/$Cost Improvements:

Engineers can review the design and suggest changes to enhance efficiency and reduce manufacturing complexity, which translate into cost reductions. This can mean suggesting a different form of packaging or finding a different way to have the product manufactured. Manufacturing personnel can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies and opportunities for process improvements to increase productivity while lowering costs. Supply managers can negotiate with suppliers to secure suitable pricing, look for alternate suppliers and cost saving opportunities within the supply chain.

Make or Buy Analysis:

Engineers can assess the technical aspect of manufacturing in$-$house as opposed to outsourcing based on factors such as technology, knowledge and intellectual property. Manufacturing personnel can determine the capacity, capability as well as cost effectiveness of internal production processes in relation to external suppliers by assessing factors such as volume production. Supply managers can assess market conditions, or supplier capabilities, and cost structures to make decisions as to whether a product is cheaper for the company$$s use rather than invest on needing purchase of components. This can also include assessing the potential risks of out sourcing.

Determination of Inventory Levels:

Engineers can help in decision$-$making as to what components are critical and why, which items should be stocked for inventory management. This can facilitate decisions regarding optimal levels of inventory through provision of an overview such as how long it takes to produce and deliver goods. Manufacture personnel can provide information on lead times or possible disruptions. By carrying out a supplier reliability lead$-$time and quantity analysis, supply managers can determine the least number of inventory in relation to an optimum stock position while keeping at bay high apparent continuous increase costs which come with maintaining very large inventories as suppliers grow reliable. They can negotiate agreements pertaining to appropriate inventory and consistent supply.