Make To Stock (MTS) is a traditional production strategy employed by businesses to align inventory with consumer demand forecasts. The goal of MTS is to ensure that products are readily available for customers, reducing wait times and capitalizing on immediate purchase intentions.
How Make To Stock (MTS) Works
In the MTS approach, companies utilize demand forecasting models to predict customer requirements and produce goods in advance of actual orders. This strategy hinges on accurate demand forecasts:
- Forecasting Demand: Utilizing historical data, market trends, and statistical models to predict future sales.
- Production Planning: Organizing manufacturing schedules to ensure timely production of goods.
- Inventory Management: Maintaining inventory levels to meet anticipated demand without overstocking or running out of products.
- Sales Fulfillment: Quickly fulfilling customer orders from pre-made stock, ensuring prompt delivery.
Examples of Make To Stock (MTS)
- Retail: Large retail stores like Walmart and Target often use MTS to keep shelves stocked with everyday essentials.
- Consumer Electronics: Companies like Apple produce popular products like iPhones and MacBooks in anticipation of high customer demand.
- Automotive Industry: Car manufacturers often produce popular vehicle models based on sales forecasts, ensuring availability for prospective buyers.
Benefits of Make To Stock (MTS)
- Reduced Lead Time: Immediate product availability minimizes customer wait times.
- Economies of Scale: Mass production can lower per-unit costs, improving profitability.
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Readily available products meet customer needs more effectively, enhancing their shopping experience.
- Efficient Supply Chain Management: Streamlined production and inventory processes contribute to smooth supply chain operations.
Considerations and Challenges
While MTS offers significant benefits, it also involves challenges:
- Forecasting Accuracy: Inaccurate demand forecasts can lead to overproduction or stockouts.
- Inventory Costs: High inventory levels incur additional holding and storage costs.
- Market Changes: Sudden shifts in consumer preferences can render pre-made stock obsolete.
Comparing Make To Stock (MTS) and Make To Order (MTO)
| Aspect | Make To Stock (MTS) | Make To Order (MTO) |
|---|---|---|
| Production Timing | Before receiving orders | After receiving orders |
| Inventory Levels | Higher inventory levels | Minimal inventory |
| Lead Time | Shorter lead times | Longer lead times |
| Forecast Dependency | High dependency on forecasts | Lower dependency on forecasts |
| Market Responsiveness | Less responsive to changes | Highly responsive to changes |
Related Terms
- Demand Forecasting: The practice of predicting future customer demand using historical data and market analysis.
- Just-In-Time (JIT): A production strategy that minimizes inventory by producing goods only as they are needed.
- Supply Chain Management (SCM): The management of the flow of goods and services from raw materials to finished products.
FAQs
What is the primary goal of Make To Stock (MTS)?
How does MTS differ from MTO?
What industries commonly use MTS?
References
- Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation. Pearson.
- Stevenson, W. J. (2018). Operations Management. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Nahmias, S., & Olsen, T. L. (2015). Production and Operations Analysis. Waveland Press.
Summary
Make To Stock (MTS) is a strategic production approach focused on aligning inventory with anticipated customer demand to ensure product availability. By leveraging accurate demand forecasts, MTS enhances customer satisfaction, reduces lead times, and can lead to cost efficiencies. However, it requires precise forecasting and effective inventory management to mitigate associated risks and costs.
