ENERGY MANAGERS’ QUARTERLY-First Quarter 2004

Manufacturers have seen huge changes in the last 20 to 30 years. There are few aspects of business that have not been affected by information and technology, and the dynamics of product development, deployment, and customer relations have been forever changed. Thirty years ago consumers did not have the option to choose from hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers via the Internet; they had a very limited availability, and so often had to deal with sub-par products because they had no alternative. Today, however, there is no excuse for a shoddy product, and in most cases an unsatisfied consumer can easily find a comparable replacement. These factors have been the driving force behind the renewed emphasis on product and process quality over quantity.