8.1 Methods of production

Question 1

Scale of production

Answer 1

The use of particular manufacturing methods to suit the anticipated volume of sales.

Question 2

One-off (bespoke) production

Answer 2

Products that are designed and manufactured to individual specifications.

Question 3

Needs for one off production which make it more expensive and complex

Answer 3

• individual client consultation and design work
• more skilled workers required
• setting up individual manufacturing processes, sometimes with materials that are difficult to work
• fewer economies of scale (eg no bulk discount on materials)

Question 4

Batch production

Answer 4

the manufacture of groups of products to increase efficiency and economy.

Question 5

How is batch production used?

Answer 5

Simultaneous manufacturing processes are involved to make it efficient and cost effective.
Jigsaw, fixtures and CNC machines facilitate more accurate and faster production of parts.
Once the manufacturing set-up has been established, additional products can easily be made.

Question 6

Mass production

Answer 6

Making large numbers of products in highly mechanised factories.

Question 7

Division of labour

Answer 7

Organising a manufacturing workforce with specialists executing each task.

Question 8

Line production

Answer 8

Efficient linear execution of sequential mass production operations.