Portal:Business/Selected quote/97
Every manufacturer is confronted with the problem of finding the most economical quantity to manufacture in putting through an order. This is a general problem and admits of a general solution, and, however much it may be advisable to exercise judgment in a particular case, such exercise of judgment will be assisted by a knowledge of the general solution.
The writer has seen the practical workings of a first-class stock system and does not wish to be understood as claiming that any mere mathematical formula should be depended upon entirely for determining the amount of stock that should be carried or put through on an order. This is a matter that calls, in each case, for a trained judgment, for which there is no substitute.
There are many other factors of even more importance than those given in this discussion. But in deciding on the best size of order, the man responsible should consider all the factors that are mentioned. While it is perfectly possible to estimate closely enough what effect these factors will have, the chances are many mistakes costing money will be made. Hence, using the formula as a check, is at least warranted. Given the theoretically correct result, it is easy to apply such correction factors as may be deemed necessary.
- —Ford Whitman Harris, How many parts to make at once, 1913