Best Buy Process

Best Buy currently utilizes the Batch Flow system and Assembly Line system where they order medium to high quantities of volume with medium variety or selections. They try to attract different kinds of consumers to their stores. Best Buy is unique in that they do not have the same selections in each of their stores either. They often follow mass customization process in order to fit different needs and keep costs low.

Best Buy mainly follows the Make To Stock customer order process. This allows best buy to not have to spend more money for special customizations and high productions costs. Best Buys Computer Department could be considered Assemble TO Order because they sell their specific selection of computers, but they can easily add a few extra’s, such as Microsoft Office, or anti-virus programs.

Best Buy falls between the Batch and Assembly Line, corresponding to High Volume, Few Major Products on the process characteristics matrix.

Factors influencing their process selection are based on geographic and demographical factors. In some areas they house stores that are in wealthy areas where higher end products would sell well, yet they offer lower end products for in more economically challenged areas.

Best Buy can best be describes as using mass customization. BBY often gives different selections, but usually not at the consumer specific request, more based on research and purchasing statistics.

http://ilog.com/products/product_flow_optimizer/