wanted design based discrete, replaceable
sub-assemblies "so that can keep improving. ^
The factory started produce phonograph parts the fall of
1888, but late November the superintendent estimated that,
20
at best, daily output would reach only per day.
The plan standardize the parts the phonograph not
only facilitated mass production but also permitted constant
development the design."
Charles Batchelor had begun the enormous task designing the
tools the temporary lab Harrison, and throughout 1888 he
joined Edison laying out the factory and training the men." This was a
wise move because most 1888 was spent constantly changing
the design the phonograph. Edison hoped that each
interchangeable part could taken out, improved, and put
back.IV-11
newspapers were told 1888 that the proprietors "rely upon
their special methods production rather than their patents;
they can manufacture much cheaper than any competitor.
. Edison kept hold the prototype
and delayed delivering sub-assemblies the Works while the
laboratory staff worked eliminating "bugs"— the defects and
minor design problems that caused malfunctions.
The design tools and the perfection commercial processes
was done the laboratory; much the machinery used make
phonographs and cylinders was set up1and first operated the
laboratory, and then transferred the Phonograph Works
