--- title: For what types of manufacturing strategy is SyncForce suited? description: For which manufacturing strategies is SyncForce a good fit? And what are the differences between MTS, ATO, MTO, ETO, and CTO? --- [Skip to content](https://support.syncforce.com/knowledge/for-what-type-of-manufacturing-strategy-is-syncforce-suited#main-content) [![Syncforce\_logo\_tagline](https://support.syncforce.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Syncforce_logo_tagline.webp?width=480&height=72&name=Syncforce_logo_tagline.webp)](https://www.syncforce.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Home](https://support.syncforce.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [General setup](https://support.syncforce.com/knowledge/general-setup?hsLang=en) # For what types of manufacturing strategy is SyncForce suited? ## Differences between MTS, ATO, MTO, ETO, and CTO **There are multiple manufacturing strategies, and SyncForce is not suited for all of them. These are the various manufacturing strategies:** **1. Made to Stock (MTS)** **Definition:** In a Made to Stock production strategy, products are manufactured based on demand forecasts. The final products are stored in inventory until they are sold. **Application:** Commonly used in industries where demand is predictable. Examples include consumer goods like toothpaste or packaged snacks. **2. Assemble to Order (ATO)** **Definition:** With Assemble to Order, products are produced using a combination of stocked components and made-to-order components. When an order is received, the product is assembled using the available parts. **Application:** Used in businesses where customization is offered in the final product assembly but individual components can be pre-stocked. Examples include computers or bicycles. **3. Made to Order (MTO)** **Definition:** Under the Made to Order strategy, production only begins after receiving a customer's order. **Application:** Often used for products that have many variations and are not in regular demand. Examples include special furniture pieces or personalized items. **4. Engineer to Order (ETO)** **Definition:** Engineer to Order products are designed, engineered, and produced only after an order is received. **Application:** Used in industries where products are highly unique or specialized, often involving complex design and manufacturing processes. Examples include specialized machinery or large infrastructure projects. **5. Configure to Order (CTO)** **Definition:** For Configure to Order, a base product exists, but its final configuration in terms of features or parts is determined by the customer's selection. **Application:** Often seen in the automotive industry, where customers can select specific features or upgrades for a car model. --- ### SyncForce's Compatibility: **SyncForce is tailored for MTS, ATO, and MTO strategies.** These strategies involve fixed specs or predefined products, making SyncForce an ideal fit. Given its focus on packaged goods, SyncForce efficiently supports the management and distribution of data related to such predefined products. However, for products that can have different configurations in parts (like CTO) or those that are fully tailored per individual order (like ETO), SyncForce is not the most suited. 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