ODM feature

[communist]

I think we are all aware of the fact that most consumer products companies do not create their own factories, or products, but instead have them made in ODMs (original design manufacturer) who produce their goods for them, after which they are sold from warehouses. I don't know how feasible it would be, but I think the option to run an ODM production line for other companies (or conversely to have an ODM produce your goods to offset the costs of actually building a factory large enough) would add some interesting flavor to the game.

[saffgee]

I like this idea - potentially this could tie into the factory setup screen and should not be limited to consumer goods. Essentially alongside the products and software buttons you would have a button to choose a list of available manufacturing contracts and the price they are offered at (plus the potential profit for each if you choose it). AI and players can offer such contracts out and both can select to do them.

eg. You want to manufacture computers, but that requires CPU's, however you cannot manufacture these at a reasonable cost. You put a request for manufacture out at a price of $15, if the AI can operate that profitably, he will offer you to do so and sell to only you. I guess it should be for a set number of units, but maybe there can also be an option for ongoing production as well.

Nice idea +1

[mrgarrettscott]

I like this idea as well. At the same time, I love controlling the entire supply chain as it represents keeps all the costs and profits in house. Nonetheless, I voted for it as it is an interesting wrinkle gameplay-wise

[SchrodingerGargoyle]

I love the idea, third-party manufacturing is king nowadays. As suggested by saffigee, I wouldn't limit this feature to consumer goods but expand it to all available products, with particular focus on industrial goods. Right now it is very difficult to be a pure manufacturing company (Foxconn like) outside of some very specific product chains (CPUs and Electronic Components come to mind)