We've begun the transition to producing significantly larger numbers of individual kits at a time, in larger batches than we did historically. This initial transition phase is a little bit odd, because of the scattering/timing of kit orders and how that is reflected in the large batches. But, what this means for the future is better predictability and improved ability on our part to schedule both manufacturing and delivery. And of course, it allows us to much more efficiently manufacturer and meet increased current and future demand.
Example: In the case of RV-14 wing kits, to do the most efficient large batch of that specific kit we will be producing enough wings to cover a significant majority of all the orders currently in the queue. At the same time, we will also be doing a sizable batch of RV-10 wings, plus RV-14 fuselages and then RV-10 fuselages. In addition, we will be scheduling many tail/emp kits. All of this is planned for over the next few months. And we will also be shipping some numbers of other kits, as available. In the future, you will see us running large batches of each kit, on an established schedule. Think of it as a train: Each train instance runs down the track on a schedule, as a single unit of connected cars. Each "car" in the train represents a group of the same kit, and there are a defined number of "seats" in each car, each of which represents a customer kit.
So, to further illustrate this analogy, we have a defined number of "seats" in our RV-14 wing kit car on the train. Maybe we decide to schedule two RV-14 wing kit cars, because it makes better sense overall on a given train. Regardless, once the defined number of RV-14 wing kit "tickets" for that train have been allocated (all the seats are full), the next available "seat" for an RV-14 wing kit will be allocated on the next scheduled train. And we run almost all of the kits on each scheduled train (with the exception of unusual kits like RV-3/4/6, which we sell very few of). In more practical terms, this equates to a defined number of production slots (seats) for each run (train), which we can allocate in the overall most efficient manner for the business. It also means that - once this methodology is firmly established - we can much better tell folks what to expect, and approximately when. Of course, just like with real-world trains there are sometimes unforeseen events that cause delays and affect the schedule. But, once we make it through one full train or two we will be truly settled in and things will be better. Please know that we've greatly increased production capacity and continue to do so, and the more predictable production scheduling enabled by our new methods will yield better results for everyone. In the meantime, we're truly sorry for the construction mess and fouled schedules.
I hope the analogy works. I tried like heck to think of an airplane analogy, but the "train cars" part of the whole thing was necessary to make it work.
To answer a couple of the questions/comments above, this represents a new and different business process. It’s necessary to maximize throughout and control rising costs. Rian and I will be recording and posting a YouTube video update later next week explaining some of this new process and updating everyone on what we've accomplished so far and what's coming next.