Manufacturers have always had to consider what consumers wanted. It’s always been the wants and needs of consumers as a whole, however, rather than individual consumers. Manufacturers decided what would be available to consumers based on tests, studies, polls, and sales. Things are changing, though. Now, manufacturers must consider the wants and needs of the individual, which tilts the balance of power in favor of the consumer.
If they don’t like it, they take their business elsewhere
When the supply side has the power, businesses determine what the consumers get to choose from. If the consumer doesn’t like what’s readily available to them, they’re typically faced with pursuing a more customized, more expensive, and less convenient alternative.
Everyone on the supply side has to participate in the, “this is what we offer, take it or leave it” approach for it to work, however. When businesses start to accommodate the more individualized needs of the consumer and focus on the best consumer experience, the “take it or leave it” mentality sees a lot of people leaving.
The expanding Amazon effect
The Amazon effect refers to the increasingly tailored and convenient consumer experience. People want to have options, they want more customization, and they want control over their purchase.
The buying process should be simple and easy to navigate. They want to know where their purchase is, and when they can expect it. The Amazon effect focuses on making the customer happy, which means that consumers have the power.
While the Amazon effect started with online retail, it’s reshaping everything down to production.
One size may fit, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants it
The one size fits all model is becoming less attractive to consumers. This is partly because what works for most doesn’t work for everyone, and it often fails to provide the best experience for a majority of consumers.
The single size approach also stops working once manufacturers break the mold and start catering to the needs of the individuals.
Manufacturers must be more flexible. They must learn to adapt processes and make changes based on consumer demand. The more difficult it is for consumers to get the convenience or customization they seek, the more likely they are to take their business elsewhere. They will find a company that makes it easy for consumers to get what they want.
Sometimes this means upgrading machinery – flexible tracks, cutting-edge diverters, top of the line sensors, etc. – but many manufacturers can still get by with a legacy system as long as it’s operating efficiently. Call 479-422-0390 for inspection, maintenance, and Indramat repair.