Despite these distinctions, the similarities between manufacturing and service organizations are compelling. Every organization has processes that must be designed and managed effectively. Some type of technology, be it manual or computerized, must be used in each process. Every organization is concerned about quality, productivity, and the timely response to customers. A service organization, like a manufacturer, must make choices about the capacity, location, and layout of its facilities. Every organization deals with suppliers of outside services and materials, as well as scheduling problems. Matching staffing levels and capacities with forecasted demands is a universal problem. Finally, the distinctions between manufacturing and service organizations can get cloudy.
尽管生产组织与服务组织之间有上述区别，二者之间还是有一些显著的共同点。二者都具备有效设计与管理的流程，每个流程中都要使用某些技术，手工技术或是计算机技术。二者都关心质量、生产力和对客户的及时回应。服务组织就像生产组织一样，必须对其设施的容量、位置和布局做出选择。二者都需要处理外部服务和材料的供应商，还要解决调度问题。二者共同的问题是将员工水平和能力与预测需求相匹配。最后，生产组织和服务组织之间的区别可能会变得模糊。