ERP Systems and the ETO Manufacturing Market
Part Two: ETO versus Repetitive Differences
P.J. Jakovljevic - May 4, 2004

ETO versus Repetitive Differences

Having outlined the above, it might be useful for us to recap the major differences between engineer-to-order (ETO) and repetitive/volume-base manufacturing environments throughout different phases of a product life cycle as well within various functional departments within a manufacturing organization. First of all, prior to any manufacturing, there is extensive work in the product definition phase (i.e. estimation, design, and engineering) before anything can be made, bought or delivered. However, the major difference is that within ETO companies the product design is an integral part of production (if not even afterwards, during the site installation and commissioning), whereas for repetitive, standard items the design is typically completed and handed "over the wall" to the manufacturing well before the production starts...