According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing an item. The method comprises the steps of creating a build schedule; creating a first portion of the item for manufacture; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to a first individual; which said individual assembles at least one of the several components on the first portion; notifying a second individual of the existence and location of the first portion of the item proximate to the first individual; causing the first portion of the item to pass in close proximity to the second individual whereby said second individual assembles at least one of the several components onto the first portion of the item. The method further includes applying dataforms or other such markings on individual components to uniquely identify them and, through such markings, tracking the application of those components to the item being manufactured at each manufacture step. Moreover, the information associated with the components as they are tracked through the manufacture process is used to maintain and enhance the efficient operation of the assembly line. These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and by reference to the following drawings.