The computer industry provides an opportunity to show value-chain analysis in action. The Computer Intelligence Company (CIC) manufactures computers for small businesses. CIC has an excellent reputation for customer service, product innovation, and quality. CIC is able to compete with the larger manufacturers of computers because it designs the product specially for each customer and has superior service. CIC has a growing list of customers who are willing to pay a small premium for these advantages. The manufacturing process consists primarily of assembling components purchased from various electronics firms plus a small amount of metalworking and finishing. The manufacturing operations cost $250 per unit. The purchased parts cost CIC $500, of which $300 is for parts that CIC could manufacture in its existing facility for $190 in materials for each unit plus an investment in labor and equipment that would cost $55,000 per month. CIC is considering whether to make or continue to buy these parts.