Explain three reasons why a manufacturer specifies standard bought in components such as bearings, fasteners and switches rather than producing them in hous...

Assessment: Design & Technology: Product Design 9252 | Paper 1 Mock 01 | Technical, designing and making principles Subject: Design & Technology: Product Design - 9252

Question 1 Report

Explain three reasons why a manufacturer specifies standard bought in components such as bearings, fasteners and switches rather than producing them in house. [6]

Answer Details

Standard bought-in components are usually more economical and less risky than making every component in-house.

  • A supplier produces bearings, fasteners or switches in volumes the manufacturer cannot match. The purchase price per component can therefore be lower than in-house manufacture, even before the cost of tooling is included. [2]
  • The component is already tested and may be certified to a recognised standard. Its load rating or current rating is known, reducing development and performance risk for the manufacturer. [2]
  • The manufacturer does not need to buy specialist machines, jigs or tooling, so capital and floor space can be used for the parts that make its product distinctive. [2]
  • Spares can continue to be supplied throughout the product’s service life, which is difficult if a component was only tooled once internally. [2]

Any three explained reasons gain [6].

Read lesson note on Scales Of Production (OxfordAQA)
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