Computer Error RE: Confirmations/Configurations

[JPaul]

Originally Posted by Smartdavis

[...] I think most companies use "just in time" manufacturing where parts arrive at about the same instant you need them, and the factories ship the product out the door as fast as they can. [...]

That was, and still is, the fundamental idea behind Smartville's concept. In my conversations with smart, their spokesperson told me that Daimler has adopted the policy of "no stock, just orders". And it is my understanding that they want to have the cars "registered" (their term for delivered against full payment) asap.

[xcrew229x]

What got Detroit et al into the position they are in now? Building cars with no buyers, that then turned into cars no one wanted. Yea, it's nice to be able to walk onto a dealer lot and pick a car, but is it smart manufacturing ? Not at all, and having a book full of orders is every manufacturers dream. What will be interesting is to see how this all shakes out in the long run, when other microcars are available. Competition will improve the whole process.

[toogrvy]

Originally Posted by xcrew229x

What got Detroit et al into the position they are in now? Building cars with no buyers, that then turned into cars no one wanted. Yea, it's nice to be able to walk onto a dealer lot and pick a car, but is it smart manufacturing ? Not at all, and having a book full of orders is every manufacturers dream. What will be interesting is to see how this all shakes out in the long run, when other microcars are available. Competition will improve the whole process.

well said...

[msjohnson1974]

Originally Posted by Dunerunner

True! Does anyone know how the factory prioritizes production of the three models? Are they all produced frame up on the same assembly line? Do they produce two months of Pure, then Passion followed by two months production of Cabriolets? You can tell I know nothing here!! I'll guess that those vehicles with the highest demand are getting the priority.

I don't know how smart is doing it but BMW has gone to a single line in Spartanburg, SC to product X5, Z4 coupe, Z4 Roadsters, and M Coupe/Roadster models. They can sequence in anything they need into the process b/c of how the factory was built/setup. I would assume that smart is doing something similar that is based on demand for each model.

Modern production lines are setup to be flexible not like the old Detroit model of produce 1 model in each factory and each variant is a single line in the factory. This way they can produce what is in demand as best they can. There is some preprogramming but I would gather from the long window between configuration and build then delivery that they are using configurations to program the line. The models _should_ be able to coexist on the production line together since they are more similar than different

[texaspierz]

Originally Posted by Jeepster55

YESTERDAY (4/15/08) i was told by Bob Wilshaw from Smart USA that a number of people who have 'reserved' during the past month or so may have been 'confirmed and configured' in error.

apparently there was a computer glitch that allowed many people to 'confirm' only a few days or so after they had placed their reservation. he wanted me to know that they are working on that issue and those that were 'confirmed' in error will be contacted in the near future, once they have the problem solved.

so, any of you that have 'reserved' your Smart and were 'confirmed' soon there after may be getting an email from Smart saying "sorry, but....."

not sure if i was to pass that info on to you, but he didn't say NOT to, so there it is........

On April 4th, we received our invitation to configure our Smart #1420 in Dallas, Texas. We questioned the request, wrote e-mails, and even went to the dealership asking why our first Smart #1388 was passed over. We were told that everything was fine and not to worry.

Today, we received a notice from Smart telling us that they made a mistake. We would have to wait for a second invitation on #1420 which would be a 2009 model. To date, we still have not configured #1388 but it is showing late 2008 delivery.

So, we are a little upset tonight. We are driving Kia Rios, so our current mileage isn't too bad. But it sure was disappointing.

[fun42]

we have #1380 - configured last monday 4/28/08 - our DDE is Jan 09 to Mar 09

Dealer told us Thursday it would really be 90 days - suspect we are just being strung along...

[yellowpassion]

Originally Posted by texaspierz

On April 4th, we received our invitation to configure our Smart #1420 in Dallas, Texas. We questioned the request, wrote e-mails, and even went to the dealership asking why our first Smart #1388 was passed over. We were told that everything was fine and not to worry.

Today, we received a notice from Smart telling us that they made a mistake. We would have to wait for a second invitation on #1420 which would be a 2009 model. To date, we still have not configured #1388 but it is showing late 2008 delivery.

So, we are a little upset tonight. We are driving Kia Rios, so our current mileage isn't too bad. But it sure was disappointing.

Hi - I realize that this comment is a little late, date wise - but as it is, i was wondering if you have been invited to config on your #1388.....you see i am #1389, and i have had a consistent DDE recently of Dec '08 -Feb '09....are you still waiting? I am in N Houston.......

[WMEEK_4_2]

Hi - I am # 1386. Configured on 15 August, 2008. DDE is Oct ~ Dec 08. I have read of a lot of 1400's being configured before me. I believe a couple have received theirs already. It is like the olympics, it is not your number that counts, it is the judges.

[angel]

Originally Posted by WMEEK_4_2

Hi - I am # 1386. Configured on 15 August, 2008. DDE is Oct ~ Dec 08. I have read of a lot of 1400's being configured before me. I believe a couple have received theirs already. It is like the olympics, it is not your number that counts, it is the judges.

If it makes you feel better I'm a #1235. I made my reservation on 20 May 07. Currently my DDE shows 9/18/2008 to 12/17/2008.

[dd1]

Originally Posted by angel

If it makes you feel better I'm a #1235. I made my reservation on 20 May 07. Currently my DDE shows 9/18/2008 to 12/17/2008.

Angel,

I see that you have a DDE with days now. It's just around the corner. I'm still a year out with Aug 2009 DDE and a 1321 res.