operations strategy

Assignment:  Dell Computer – Make to Order (MTO), Make to Stock (MTS) & Assemble to Order (ATO)

1.  Dell Computer’s Business Model was ATO for small orders; mostly for students and/or home use and MTO for large clients.  Please define each process focusing on its advantages and disadvantages for Dell.
2. Dell’s competitors have been successful in taking market share away from Dell over the last few years.  Dell has since entered into marketing agreements with several large retailers to sell several specific models of their computers.  Most notably with Wal-Mart and Best Buy among others.  Again please define MTS that Dell’s is using to build these computers.  Again focusing on the advantages and disadvantages for Dell.
3. What problems can you foresee for Dell in mixing different types of processes onto the manufacturing floor?