build to order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build to order" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where products are made specifically according to customer specifications or requests. Example: "Our company specializes in custom furniture, allowing customers to build to order for their unique spaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The results are discussed with reference to scenarios developed to enable build to order.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

G.M. and other automakers are planning to greatly increase the number of cars they build to order.

The New York Times

A Level has been exhibiting the one-of-a-kind Volga at European auto shows as an example of cars it can build to order.

The New York Times

"We only build to order," says Rivard.

Forbes

The other options are build to order.

TechCrunch

(Most large manufacturers "build to stock," which means that the marketing department is responsible for moving the inventory; other companies such as Dell build to order).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They have the ability to build-to-order and deliver in unlimited scale, plus they make great computers".

Forbes

Three things make the company's build-to-order approach easier.

The Economist

Only 50 will be offered on a build-to-order basis.

The New York Times

This is the most comprehensive analysis of the case for build-to-order to date.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Presario 5900Z-1000 is offered only through Compaq's build-to-order Web site or telephone sales line.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a production process, use "build to order" to emphasize that items are created only after an order is received. This highlights efficiency and customization.

Common error

Avoid using "build to order" when you mean "made to stock". The former implies production starts after the order, while the latter means items are produced in advance and held in inventory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build to order" functions as a descriptor for a specific manufacturing or production process. Ludwig examples show it defining business models or product availability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build to order" is a descriptor of a manufacturing process where production starts only after an order is placed. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used in professional and business contexts. Alternative phrases such as "made to order" and "custom-built" can be used depending on the specific nuances you want to convey. The phrase appears commonly in News & Media and Science sources. A key best practice is to utilize it to emphasize efficiency and customization, avoiding confusion with "made to stock" production models.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made to order

Focuses on the creation process being initiated by an order.

custom-built

Highlights the personalized construction aspect.

assembled to order

Emphasizes the assembly aspect after an order is placed.

bespoke manufacturing

A more formal term for custom manufacturing.

configured to order

Implies a selection of pre-existing components.

tailor-made production

Highlights the adaptation of production to fit specific needs.

personalized construction

Emphasizes the individual tailoring of the construction process.

demand-driven manufacturing

Focuses on manufacturing being driven by actual demand.

engineer to order

Indicates engineering work is done specifically for an order.

individualized production

Highlights the production being specifically tailored to an individual's requirements.

FAQs

How to use "build to order" in a sentence?

"Build to order" is used to describe a manufacturing process where production begins only after an order is placed. For example: "Our company operates on a "build to order" system, ensuring minimal waste and maximum customization."

What are the benefits of using a "build to order" system?

A "build to order" system reduces inventory costs and allows for greater product customization. It ensures that products are made according to specific customer requirements, leading to higher satisfaction. This is in contrast to a "build to stock" model.

What's the difference between "build to order" and "assemble to order"?

"Build to order" implies creating a product from scratch after an order, while "assemble to order" means assembling pre-made components to fulfill an order. The former offers more customization.

What can I say instead of "build to order"?

Alternatives include "made to order", "custom-built", or "bespoke manufacturing", depending on the context. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of customized production.