Which of the following factors typically is most important to a company that uses the chase production strategy when evaluating potential suppliers for a component?
Correct Answer: A
The chase production strategy aims to match production rates to demand by adjusting output to meet fluctuating demand levels. For a company using this strategy, a supplier's agility is paramount. Agility refers to the supplier's ability to rapidly respond to changes in demand, which is critical for maintaining production schedules and minimizing inventory costs. The supplier's certification status, quoted delivery time, and quoted total price are also important but secondary to the ability to quickly adjust to changing needs, ensuring a smooth and responsive supply chain.
References:
* Stevenson, W. J. (2015). Operations Management.
* https://www.supplychain247.com