Cat's Virtual Value Stream

摘要

Booming demand for a new product can be a dream for sales representatives and a nightmare for plant managers if they're not prepared for the increased volume. Heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. faced demand-planning issues when the company introduced its 993K wheel loader in March 2008.rnThe company's Aurora, Ill., plant responded by creating a new value-stream manufacturing system that created a dedicated line for the 993, Cat reported in November. The plant initially was struggling to keep pace with rising volume after 993K sales exceeded the company's expectations. When the economic downturn hit full swing sales dropped, giving the plant an opportunity to revamp operations.