System and method for accommodating atypical customer requirements in a mass customization

A build cell for assembling computers and loading data into the computers according to specific customer orders, the build cell comprising:

• a build station where components are assembled into a computer in response to a specific order for a specific customer;
• a burn station in the build cell that receives the computer from the build station;
• a first network connection connected to the on-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the on-site server, such that data from the on-site server can be transferred to the computer in the build cell via the first network connection, in accordance with the specific order for the specific customer;
• and
• a supplemental network connection connected to an off-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the off-site server containing proprietary data of the specific customer, such that the proprietary data of the specific customer can be transferred from the off-site server to the computer in the build cell via the supplemental network connection.

A build-to-order manufacturing facility comprising:

• a kitting facility where components are collected for a specific order for a specific customer;
• an on-site server that contains a software product required by the specific order for the specific customer;
• a build cell that receives the components from the kitting facility;
• a build station in the build cell, where the components are assembled into a computer in response to a specific order for a specific customer;
• a burn station in the build cell that receives the computer from the build station;
• a first network connection in the burn station connected to the on-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the on-site server, such that the software product can be transferred from on the on-site server to the computer in the build cell via the first network connection, in accordance with the specific order for the specific customer;
• a finishing station that receives the computer from the burn station after the software product has been transferred to the computer from on the on-site server;
• a supplemental network connection in the finishing station connected to an off-site server and linking the computer in the build cell with the off-site server that contains proprietary software of the specific customer, such that the proprietary software of the specific customer can be transferred from the off-site server to the computer in the build cell via the supplemental network connection;
• and
• a boxing facility where the computer is packaged after the proprietary software of the specific customer has been transferred to the computer from the off-site server.