Which of the following is NOT one of the five critical manufacturing performance objectives?

The five critical manufacturing performance objectives are commonly recognized as quality, speed, flexibility, dependability (or reliability), and cost. Each of these objectives plays an essential role in achieving operational excellence and customer satisfaction in manufacturing.

Maintenance, while crucial in ensuring that machines and systems operate efficiently and effectively, is not classified as one of the top five critical manufacturing performance objectives. Instead, maintenance supports the other objectives by helping to reduce downtime and improve overall operational efficiency. It is a necessary aspect of manufacturing operations but does not directly reflect performance outcomes in the same way that quality, speed, reliability, and cost do.

Understanding these distinctions is vital for professionals in the field, as they guide strategic decisions and improvements in manufacturing processes. Prioritizing the identified performance objectives can lead to better focus and resource allocation in pursuit of operational goals.