Day 32 | Understanding the Specialization of Manufacturing Functions Through a Production Site Visit
Day 32 was a visit to a production site.
Building on what I have learned so far, this was an opportunity to visit an actual production site.
The greatest insight I gained from this visit was the ability to reframe floral work from the perspective of the "specialization of manufacturing functions."
A Division of Labor Model in a Sensibility-Based Industry
Until now, I had thought of floral work as a sensibility-centered business.
However, what I was able to confirm on-site was a division-of-labor system with clearly defined roles.
The order-taking side and the production side share functions, with production carried out based on specifications to deliver the finished product.
This structure is not unique. Rather, it is a rational division-of-labor model that exists widely in other industries.
For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, there is a mechanism called "contract manufacturing" where the manufacturing and sales side presents raw materials and specifications, and the contractor performs the manufacturing based on them. It is a structure that separates planning and sales functions from manufacturing functions.
The production contracting I observed this time had a similar structure.
Even if the industries are different, the idea of increasing efficiency and quality by specializing manufacturing functions is common.
"Choice and Concentration" in the Specialization of Manufacturing Functions
Behind this structure is the strategic philosophy of "choice and concentration."
This concept was systematically organized by Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter.
Porter argued that for a company to build a sustainable competitive advantage, it should not try to win at everything, but rather concentrate its resources on its own strengths.
The specialization of manufacturing functions is also an extension of this philosophy.
If a company's strength lies in planning or sales, it should leave manufacturing to specialized companies. Conversely, if manufacturing technology is its strength, it should polish that function.
Not taking on everything yourself. That is a rational strategy.
The production process is a "production activity"
In the production process, thorough preparation and verification systems were in place.
It does not rely solely on individual intuition.
The design ensures quality through processes and re-verification.
Pre-setting materials and leveling work are concepts derived directly from supply chain management.
Break down tasks into small parts, balance the load, and increase reproducibility.
Despite being an industry that deals with the sensibility of flowers, there was a highly designed B2B manufacturing function behind the scenes.
Production is not just manual labor. It is a production activity that is finely divided and managed.
I was able to confirm that fact concretely.
Stability through a dual-axis model
There were two types of projects with different characteristics in the work content.
High-value-added production and volume-oriented production.
I can understand the company's intention to aim for stability in its revenue structure by combining projects with different characteristics.
Over-reliance on a single model becomes a risk.
Having multiple axes in production is a rational design for operating manufacturing functions stably.
Work style design and sustainability
Another point that left an impression was the flexibility of work styles.
Providing options for the number of working days and hours is not just a benefit.
It is a strategy for securing human resources.
In a society with an advancing labor shortage, securing stable human resources is essential to maintain manufacturing functions.
The specialization of manufacturing functions cannot be achieved through process design alone.
Only when it is balanced with the human resource design that supports it can it function as a sustainable business model.
Comprehensive learning
Through this visit, I was able to understand the following points.
・Specialization of manufacturing functions is viable even in sensibility-based industries
・Division of labor is a rational mechanism that enhances expertise, production efficiency, and time efficiency
・Standardization of manufacturing processes ensures quality and reproducibility
・Multi-axis business design enables stable operations
Working with flowers cannot be sustained by "passion" alone.
However, by specializing manufacturing functions, practicing selection and concentration, and designing manufacturing processes and human resources, it becomes a sustainable business.
Grasp it through functions, not through intuition.
Gaining that perspective was the greatest achievement of Day 32.
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