Part of BMW's success comes from the unique way in which it gets cars from the factory to the consumer. Whereas the Big Three automakers mass produce new-model vehicles and ship them to local dealerships where they sit until a buyer comes along, BMW's unique ordering system reverses the process, allowing the customer to order a vehicle before it even exists.

Car shoppers visit BMW showrooms to custom order vehicles, selecting from a broad range of customizable features. Once an order is placed, BMW's special Spartanburg, S.C. manufacturing facility goes to work to manufacture that vehicle. While it would be reasonable to suppose that BMW's process significantly slows vehicle production and delivery time, the company has streamlined its logistical processes, enabling its factory to churn out customer-specified vehicles within a mere 10 days of receiving an order.

BMW has earned its reputation for producing the highest quality car with the highest level of customer service. However, without its unique strategy for managing the supply chain at its production facilities, the company would not be able to deliver its esteemed luxury models to consumers at a reasonable time or cost.