Final answer:
The main difference between sourcing manufactured products and services is that manufactured products are tangible physical goods, while services are intangible activities performed by people. Sourcing manufactured products involves finding a company that can produce and deliver a physical item, while sourcing a service involves finding a company or individual with the skills to perform a specific task. Service specifications are usually more subjective and variable compared to manufacturing specifications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main difference between sourcing manufactured products and services is that manufactured products are tangible physical goods, while services are intangible activities performed by people to fulfill a need or want. For example, sourcing a manufactured product involves finding a company that can produce and deliver a physical item like a smartphone, whereas sourcing a service involves finding a company or individual with the skills and expertise to perform a specific task, such as plumbing or accounting.
When it comes to defining service specifications versus manufacturing specifications, there are some key challenges. Service specifications are usually more subjective and variable compared to manufacturing specifications. This is because services often involve human interaction and can vary based on individual preferences and circumstances. On the other hand, manufacturing specifications can be more objective and standardized, as they are based on the physical properties and requirements of the product being manufactured.
An example of service specifications would be hiring a web developer to create a website. The specifications would include details such as the desired design, functionality, and features of the website. An example of manufacturing specifications would be sourcing a supplier for producing custom-made t-shirts. The specifications would include details such as the fabric type, color, size range, and printing method.