The production line is the ultimate in multiple single points of failure, and Tesla has exacerbated this by using advanced automation. [0] Advanced automation

The production line is the ultimate in multiple single points of failure, and Tesla has exacerbated this by using advanced automation. [0] Advanced automation promises great benefits, including reduced headcount and more repeatable (and thus higher quality) processes. Advanced automation has some pretty serious drawbacks as well. In addition to the HUGE cost to set it up in the first place: * Every station has to run at the same rate. * Every station has to have material delivered at the same rate. * Every fastener has to go on correctly the first time. If the advanced automation cannot run at a sufficient rate, it may not pay for itself. Additionally, the Model 3 has lower margins than the Model S and Model X, so if the run rate is not high enough, the margins may not cover overhead. 0. see videos: https://electrek.co/2017/11/01/tesla-model-3-production-delays/ https://electrek.co/2017/11/01/tesla-model-3-production-dela... Disclaimer: I work for a Tesla competitor.