We wanted to proactively address a question we've seen coming up frequently:
"Why is my order X estimated to enter assembly later than order Y, even though X < Y?"
The short is answer is because order X is different than order Y. For a more elaborated answer - see below.
Creating these estimates is extremely complex due to many interdependent variables. To illustrate, even ChatGPT, when provided with all our data, responded:
"Unfortunately, due to the extreme complexity and interdependencies, I cannot reliably provide an exact final schedule that meets all constraints."
This underscores the intricacies involved. Currently, even minor updates to the schedule require about four hours of work by me.
Here are just some of the constraints we must factor into our production scheduling:
1. Different chassis finishes:
- Black anodized Olympus chassis
- Black powder-coated Olympus chassis
- Black anodized I/O chassis
- Black powder-coated I/O chassis
- Silver anodized Olympus chassis
- Silver anodized I/O chassis
2. We must predict:
- The exact number of each chassis type arriving and their arrival dates
- How many chassis will pass inspection
- Assembly capacity, factoring in daily fluctuations such as team availability (due to illness, personal days, etc.)
3. Customer preferences add another layer of complexity. Some customers change preferences between silver and black finishes, and others strongly prefer anodized or powder-coated finishes. Some want their unit delivered ASAP. Other have put vacation holds. Some want to wait until balanced analog out is available. It's a really complex task!
Based on our current projections:
- Customers who opted for black powder-coated chassis are slightly ahead of those preferring silver or black anodized chassis.
- Customers with a black powder-coated Olympus chassis without an I/O are slightly ahead of those awaiting an I/O, due to current inventory and production projections for black I/O chassis.
Please note that these estimates may shift back and forth in the coming weeks as new information becomes available. We will continue to provide weekly updates to keep everyone informed.
Lastly, some people have expressed concerns about how long it will take to get to their order. The real goal here is to set realistic expectations, give people timely updates, provide clear communication, and maintain full transparency. That’s all I am trying to do. If you are disappointed that your order is not in Week 1, I am disappointed too. So is Taiko. But as discussed many times, Taiko is at the mercy of external vendors for the chassis finishing, and there is no workaround for that.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience as we navigate these complexities to deliver your orders as efficiently as possible.