Build to order

Build to Order (BTO: sometimes referred to as Make to Order or Made to Order (MTO)) is a production approach where products are not built until a confirmed order for products is received. Thus, the end consumer determines the time and number of produced products.^[1] The ordered product is customized, meeting the design requirements of an individual, organization or business.^[2] Such production orders can be generated manually, or through inventory/production management programs.^[1] BTO is the oldest style of order fulfillment and is the most appropriate approach used for highly customized or low volume products. Industries with expensive inventory use this production approach.^[1] Moreover, "Made to order" products are common in the food service industry, such as at restaurants.

BTO can be considered a Just in Time (JIT) production system, as components or products are only delivered just in time when demanded, in order to reduce wasted time and increase efficiency.^[1]