Final answer:
The statement is false; the timing of product manufacturing can significantly affect the value-added because it influences production efficiency, inventory costs, and market competitiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that as long as a product is ready in advance of when customers demand it, the timing of when a product is manufactured does not influence the value-added is false.
Timing can significantly influence the value-added, especially when dealing with products that have a limited shelf life, fluctuating demand, or require rapid innovation to stay competitive. Moreover, in the context of distribution and supply chain management, having the right amount of inventory at the right time is crucial to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and satisfy customer demand.
On the supply side of markets, producers find that expanding production is generally more feasible in the long term, as they have more time to build factories, hire workers, and establish retail outlets. However, even over the long term, timing is critical to ensure that investments in production capacity align with market demand to deliver value to both the company and its customers.