Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Which of the following is not an advantage of standardization?

1. Fewer parts to deal with in inventory

2. Inventory management is less complex

3. Reduced training cost and time

4. The opportunity to freeze design at a very early stage

The correct answer is: The opportunity to freeze design at a very early stage

The option stating "The opportunity to freeze design at a very early stage" is not considered an advantage of standardization because standardization typically emphasizes the use of pre-established designs, components, and processes to improve efficiency and reduce variability. Freezing design at an early stage can often conflict with the principles of standardization, as it may limit flexibility and adaptability to changes that can occur after the design phase. Standardization focuses on creating uniformity, which can simplify processes and reduce costs associated with training, inventory management, and parts management. For example, having fewer parts in inventory simplifies inventory control because it reduces the variety of items that need to be tracked. Similarly, when processes and components are standardized, it reduces the complexity of inventory management as variations are minimized, making it easier to forecast and fulfill customer needs. Additionally, training costs and time can be greatly reduced because standardized processes and tools require less specialized knowledge, allowing for quicker onboarding of employees. By contrast, freezing designs too early can hinder innovation and responsiveness to market demands or evolving technology, which is outside the scope of the advantages provided by standardization.