The Market Development Model of Today

摘要

From 1985 until today, Phase C market development of aluminium has been implemented. Globalization has been forced but the customer, particularly the auto companies, requiring the same global product standards. Product development has been instituted by the customer and subcontractor in addition to the metal producer. Finished products to JIT (just-in-time) delivery became the norm, with its own set of logistics challenges. Now the customers follow the supply chain closely through use of computer information technology (IT). Now we see quality audits by customers and open book pricing, with continuous improvement. Next year the product has to be cheaper, through benefits of the "learning curve." Certified samples must be sent, to international standards. And, it is not the metal but the conversion where cost savings most often occur. [An exact parallel to composites, particularly in aerospace carbon fiber/epoxy parts and the like or in automotive parts-to coin a phrase, "it's the conversion stupid!"]