methods of production

Question 1

what is automation

Answer 1

refers to production being fully automatic (capital intensive)

Question 2

what is mechanisation

Answer 2

refers to labour and machines working together to produce products (capital intensive)

Question 3

what is labour intensive production

Answer 3

involves humans doing most of the work (eg job production)

Question 4

mechanisation adv

Answer 4

-using machinery improves accuracy over purely handmade products as human error is lessened
-using machinery can speed up production
-unlike automation, a human element exists in mechanisation, improving creativity

Question 5

mechanisation disadv

Answer 5

-the machines and equipment can’t be used without humans, so are liable to some human error
-production can’t be 24/7 as humans require breaks, holidays etc
-if machinery breaks down the business has to repair it, leaving workers idle

Question 6

automation adv

Answer 6

-CAM/robotics produce in exactly the same way every time improving consistency
-CAM doesn’t lose concentration so fewer mistakes are made which limits waste
- robots can do jobs that are dangerous for humans to do
-robots don’t take breaks holiday or sick leave so can work 24/7
-fewer employees are needed as automations doesn’t require human control reducing wage cost

Question 7

labour intensive adv

Answer 7

-labour can be less expensive than capital-intensive production
-humans can use initiative and creativity, something that is often lacking in automated systems
-there’s a constant supply of labour, often skilled labour, available in areas of the country with manufacturing traditions
-employees are motivated as they are not ‘giving up’ tasks to machines

Question 8

labour intensive disadv

Answer 8

-the business is at high risk of human error, resulting in waste. faulty products and disgruntled customers
-humans have to take breaks, holidays, etc, which limits production time
-humans have to be paid overtime for working over normal hours whereas machines cost the same at any time of day
-recruitment, training and wage costs need to be considered

Question 9

automation disadv

Answer 9

-huge investment is needed to automate a production line
-breakdowns can be catastrophic losing hours of production time and wasting vast amounts of materials
-replacing labour with automatic robotics will demotivate retained employees
-absence of a ‘human touch’ often leads to lack of creativity and personality