Process Selection

Whitehouse Floors LLC uses a product flow process known as the batch flow. Once the product or in this case, flooring, is brought to our warehouse it is then and only then, the product is owned by Whitehouse Floors. There are many different operations or work centers that are used for each different type of flooring. For carpet there is a different process in which one installer is responsible for and the same goes for wood, laminate, tile, and refinishing processes. Each group or category of flooring has its own individual process for installation, yet at the same time all have the common goal to lay the floor properly and professionally. Each group uses their own machines; however, are all floor laying machines. Because there are different operations to laying each individual floor, the flow path varies depending on the type of flooring being laid. Other characteristics which would change the “work centers” would be items such as the type of sub floor, what type of product the customer prefers, as well as, other personalized issues for each job.
Whitehouse Floors LLC uses a make-to-order customer order process. Because each customer has many different preferences and job specifications, each is tailor made to the customer specification. In addition to this, the jobs in process are extremely dependent on the customers’ wants and needs. Another characteristic Whitehouse Floors holds with the make-to-order customer order process, is the fact in which the cycle of production and order fulfillment beings with the customer order being placed. It then follows through the MTO process exactly until the cycle is completed.
Using this information, when looking at the process characteristics matrix, it is clear that Whitehouse Floors LLC falls under the batch and job shop and the make-to-order cell.
Factors which influence Whitehouse Floors process selection are very common to the flooring industry. Usually, most installers specialize in a particular type of flooring. Because of this, they know how to use each piece of machinery, etc. The customer itself is a huge factor. Each customer has different preferences as to what type of flooring is put in their home. Along with that, there are many different types of sub floors, requirements which must be met, and wants and needs from the customer.
When considering mass customization methods, it does not seem reasonable for Whitehouse Floors LLC to adopt any. There is not a common process in which one can use to lay all types of flooring. Because each different floor type requires different techniques, tools, labor, and attention it is highly difficult to arrange a common process for all categories of flooring.