Read this chapter case and answer the following questions, short answer accepted:

1. Why do you think major auto manufacturers do not build ambulances?

2. What is an alternative process strategy to the assembly line that Wheeled Coach currently uses?

3. Why is it more efficient for the work cells to prepare modules and deliver them to the assembly line than it would be to produce the component (e.g., interior upholstery) on the line?

Wheeled Coach, based in Winter Park, Florida, is the world's ambulances. Within the focused factory, Wheeled Coach establargest manufacturer of ambulances. Working four 10-hour days lished work cells for every major module feeding an assembly line, each week, 350 employees make only custom-made ambulances; including aluminum bodies, electrical wiring harnesses, interior virtually every vehicle is unique. Wheeled Coach accommodates cabinets, windows, painting, and upholstery. the marketplace by providing a wide variety of options and an Labor standards drive the schedule so that every work cell feeds engineering staff accustomed to innovation and custom design. the assembly line on schedule, just-in-time for installations. The Continuing growth, which now requires that more than 20ambu chassis, usually that of a Ford truck, moves to a station at which lances roll off the assembly line each week, makes process design the aluminum body is mounted. Then the vehicle is moved to a continuing challenge. Wheeled Coach's response has been painting. Following a custom paint job, it moves to the assembly to build a focused factory: Wheeled Coach builds nothing but line, where it will spend 7 days. During each of these 7 workdays, each work cell delivers its respective module to the appropriate position on the assembly line. During the first day, electrical wiring is installed; on the second day, the unit moves forward to the station at which cabinetry is delivered and installed, then to a window and lighting station, on to upholstery, to fit and finish, to further customizing, and finally to inspection and road testing. The Global Company Profile featuring Wheeled Coach, which opens Chapter 14 , provides further details about this process