This document discusses variety reduction and standardization. It defines variety reduction as reducing the number of product, material, or part types within a given range to a lesser number that meets needs. Standardization establishes basic specifications for common product characteristics like size and shape. Simplification eliminates unnecessary varieties, sizes, and features to make products simpler. Benefits include better service, productivity, understanding problems, and inventory control with lower costs. Standardization aims for overall economy, convenience, uniformity, and quality assurance. It discusses levels, types, advantages, and disadvantages of standardization.

1. VARIETY REDUCTION AND
STANDARDIZATION
Navindu Munidasa
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain (UK) (Reading); BSc Operations and
Logistics Management (UK); Dip in Computer Hardware and Networking ;
Certificate in Motor Mechanism (CGTTI); Certificate in Workshop Practices
(CGTTI)

2. VARIETY
REDUCTION
The process of standardization logically leads to
simplification and variety reduction.
Variety reduction defined as a form of
standardization consisting of the reduction of the
number of types of products, or materials or parts
within a definite range to a lesser number which is
adequate to meet prevailing needs at a given time.

3. HOW TO
CONTROL
VARIETY?
By Simplifications
By Standardization
By Specialization

4. STANDARDIZATION
• It is the process of establishing basic specifications for
a set of commonly used characteristics of size, shape
and performance for products.
SIMPLIFICATION
• It is defined as the elimination of superfluous
varieties, sizes, dimensions, features etc., making the
design, assembly or product simpler, less complex and
less difficult to use.

5. BENEFITS OF VARIETY CONTROL
• Better after sales service
• Greater technical productivity
• Better understanding of
technical problems
• Lesser set up times
• Higher equipment utilization
• Reduction in inventory
• Higher equipment utilization
• Easier inventory control
• Better use of storage space
• Quicker stock-checking
• Reduction in purchasing effort

6. HOW STANDARDIZATION
REDUCES COSTS?
• It enables a firm to purchase fewer
items, in large quantities and at
lower prices
• Due to fewer items are processed
and stocked reduces purchasing,
receiving, inspection and payment
costs
• Inventory control becomes easier
and less costly because of stocking
of fewer items

7. AIMS OF STANDARDIZATION
To achieve maximum
overall economy
To ensure maximum
convenience in use
To ensure uniformity and
reduction in variety
To help in quality
assurance by
improving quality in every
activity

8. OBJECTIVES OF
STANDARDIZATION
To standardize the materials used in firm
To bring the company standards in line with
the industry standards
To reduce the varieties of raw materials and
components used
To establish the specifications of materials to
be purchased

9. LEVELS OF
STANDARDS
Individual Standard
Company Standard
Industry Standard
National Standard
International Standard

10. TYPES OF STANDARDS
Product
Standards
Engineering
Standards
Material
Standards
Quality
Standards
Process
Standards
Equipment
Standards
Safety
Standards
Administrative
Standards

11. ADVANTAGES OF STANDARDIZATION
Fewer parts to deal with inventory and in manufacturing
Simpler and more routine purchasing, handling and inspection procedures
Facilitates longer production runs and automation
Helps in better understanding of customer requirements

12. DISADVANTAGES OF STANDARDIZATION
Decreased variety of end products
results in less consumer appeal and
thereby affecting the competitive
advantage for the firm.
Designs may be frozen with too
many imperfections remaining
Design changes involve high costs
which will increase resistance to
improvements in design

13. THANK YOU