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Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM)
In today’s world of competitive environment, one of the key success factors for
manufacturing firms in speed-not only speed of delivery, but of concept, design and
production. New opportunities open for those manufacturing firms, who can get
products to market before the competition and success hinges on the ability to move
quickly.
Quick response manufacturing (QRM) is a companywide strategy to cut lead times in
all phases of manufacturing and office operations. It can bring the manufacturing
firm’s products to market more quickly and secure its business prospects by helping to
compete in a rapidly changing manufacturing arena.
QRM will not only make the manufacturing firm more attractive to potential
customers; it will also increase profitability by reducing non-value-added time,
cutting inventory and increasing return on investment.
Benefits of QRM for the manufacturing firm
 Decreases the manufacturing costs
 Increases the market share
 Fills customer orders faster
 Boosts product quality
 Introduces new products rapidly
 Eliminates waste and inefficiency
 Secures the manufacturing future of the firm
Thus we see that even though it is imperative to apply lean manufacturing to any
manufacturing firm, the manufacturing world is moving towards agile manufacturing
and quick response manufacturing which is the next step for survival in this
competitive era. But to approach agile manufacturing and quick response
manufacturing, the company requires to be using lean manufacturing methods, which
is a starting point. Agility can be built only from a firm foundation. Hence, the focus
of this project is on lean.