A push system is an inventory management system. In a push system, the manufacturer produces product without knowing whether its customers need it or not. This can possibly result in a large, unsold stock of inventory. A TQM program involves changing the corporate culture by eliminating faulty processes, empowering employees and creating teamwork that focuses on quality. TQM is not related to any particular form of inventory management system.
Distinctive competencies are what the company does better than the competition and does not relate to this subject.
TQM is most compatible with an activity-based costing (ABC) system because it makes the costs of quality more apparent. A firm with a good ABC system only needs to modify it to identify costs and activities relating to costs of quality. A company that utilizes ABC will also be continuously identifying activities that can be eliminated, as well as ensuring that necessary activities are carried out efficiently.
Robots are primarily used in manufacturing, are programmable and better at manual tasks than humans because they don't tire and easily adapt to changing conditions. Furthermore, they are useful in environments that are unfit for humans, such as radioactive areas. Robots can have visual perception, touch capability, dexterity, locomotion and navigation. A TQM program involves changing the corporate culture by eliminating faulty processes, empowering employees and creating teamwork that focuses on quality. Thus, a TQM program requires living, breathing people to execute it. Robotics may be utilized, but this is not the best answer to the question.
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