Build-to-order

A situation in which the production lead time and order turnaround time are shorter than the time the customer is willing to wait for the product. The manufacturer produces entirely based on confirmed orders and not on forecasts. 

This is a situation that Lean thinkers seek to achieve because it allows them to avoid the amplification of demand and waste that inherently result from producing goods based on predictions of customer needs. 

Lean Lexicon

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