3. Methods of Production Flashcards
what are the three methods of production?
-job production
-batch production
-flow production
what is job production?
when a product is completed from start to finish by a single worker or team of workers. typically one job is completes before moving onto another
what are the advantages of job production?
-exact customer specification can be met
-customer can sell make changes to the design
-high prices can be charged for unique product
-high quality product produced
what are the disadvantages of job production?
-specialist equipment may be required (expensive)
-may not be able to buy in bulk (which is cheaper)
-can take a long time
-specialist skills required
what is batch production?
a number of similar products (repeated jobs) where one job is completed before another one is started
what are the advantages of batch production?
-batches can be charged to suit customer requirements
-raw materials can be bought in bulk (cheaper)
-not as many skilled workers are required
what are the disadvantages of batch production?
–equipment/employees may have nothing to do between batches
-mistakes can result in whole batch being wasted
what is flow production?
used in mass manufacturing where an item goes from stage on an assembly line with parts being added to it at each stage
what are the advantages of flow production?
-large amounts of identical products can be made
-quality systems can be built in
-raw materials can be bought in bulk (cheaper)
-machinery can work through the night, often for less than the cost of labour
what are the disadvantages of flow production?
-product cannot be customised
-a fault at one stage will result in production being stopped
-large demand is required for this t be viable
-setup cost is high
what is labour intensive production?
products are made using labour (human effort)
what are the advantages of labour intensive production?
-can be creative
-labour is readily available (training required)
-no expensive training required
-unique products
what are the disadvantages of labour intensive production?
-expensive and time consuming to recruit, select and train
- training takes time
-quality can vary (mistakes)
what is capital intensive production?
where the production process relies more on machinery and other capital equipment
what are the advantages of capital intensive production?
-can work 24/7
-standardised quality
-fewer employees (wages)
-less skilled workforce required
