Productivity management: linking producers and end users

Productivity is often too limited in its interpretation. Beyond the traditi onal belief that productivity is about obtaining higher output from the sam e physical inputs in the manufacturing system, there is a growing appreciat ion of the relationship between the producer and the end user. This paper e xplores a broader definition of productivity that focuses on customer satis faction, and productivity management approaches that help to align and inte grate the strategies and operations of the producer with the expectations a nd satisfaction of the end user.