The paper provides a brief presentation of different production philosophies and their characteristics. How the one builds upon the other, and how those characteristics considered to be positive and of strong current interest are taken advantage of by developments underway in any given period are examined. Developmental trends that are evolving (NEXT STEP) or that can serve to complement the Lean production philosophy which is dominant today, are taken up. A detailed cost model that can be used to assess different technological production development scenarios is also introduced
