Process Characteristics Matrix

For the process characteristics matrix we found that Lowe’s best fits into the continuous assembly Made to Stock cell. We came to this conclusion because most of Lowes products are made in mass quantities. Things like nuts and bolts are kept readily available and are constantly being produced because there is such a high demand. This means that their product flow is continuous assembly. In order to satisfy the huge demand the company needs a process that can keep up with it. For their customer order we found that Lowe’s uses make to stock because once they produce their products they stock them for when customers are ready to buy them.
We also found the Lowe's could fit in the continuous assemble, assemble to order cell or the Batch flow, made to stock cell because of the other products they offer. In Lowe’s you could order certain customizable products like kitchen cabinets and such that are made in batches and can be changed to suit what the customer wants. Also, some of these products are also only made when the customer orders them. In other words once a customer places and order for a specific set of cabinets that have been customized to the customers liking then the product is made and delivered to the customer.