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Technology Stocks : Dell Technologies Inc. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: JRI who wrote (107583)	3/5/1999 2:31:00 PM
From: WeisbrichA	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 176387

JR, Build To Order has been a long time in manufacturing. What I think everyone agrees on is that it (BTO) is unique in a quasi "commodity" item like small computer systems. I say quasi because customer choices negate the commodity definition. The more modularized a product can become, the shorter the lead time to ship a customized product can be. Modules and parts arriving in assembly at the right place at the right time, as shown by Dell's current mastery of the manufacturing/assembly process, will both reduce costs and increase customer response. Assembly line Robotics along with modular design will be the causes of the next major cost savings in small Computer/electronic appliance manufacturing. If Dell is to be an effective competitor in the <1K market, these advances must be made. The <1K will have to be more like Apple's latest offering (not necessarily visually speaking) for retail consumers. IMO, given the use of more modularity and automation, you will see DELL make a profitable consumer PC/network appliance within 6-12 months. I am sure it will be "radical" in design and use USB extensively and have "snap-in" modules for most things that we have to open the case for now. RW