Methods of Production Flashcards
What are the 3 Methods of Production?
Job Production
Batch Production
Flow Production
What is Job Production?
A one-off product is made to a customer’s specifications. One product is finished before another is started.
What are the advantages of Job Production?
More motivating for employees as they see the product from start to finish.
Can charge higher prices as the product is customised.
What are the disadvantages of Job Production?
Production can be expensive and time-consuming as it is very labour-intensive.
If working on a job/project, then may not get paid until it is completed.
What is Batch Production?
Groups of identical products are made at the same time. Once one batch is completed (eg white loaves of bread) the machinery is cleaned and reset for the next batch (eg baguettes).
What are the advantages of Batch Production?
Each batch can be customised/altered for a specific customer order.
The same machinery can be used for each batch.
Less expensive than job production as less skilled workers are needed.
What are the disadvantages of Batch Production?
Machinery/employees may be idle between batches which costs the organisation money.
Can only manufacture one type (batch) of product at a time.
What is Flow Production?
The continuous production of products along an assembly line with parts being added at each stage. Often referred to as mass production.
What are the advantages of Flow Production?
Production can take place 24 hours per day as it is very capital-intensive.
Standardisation of products.
The use of low-skilled workers reduces the wage bill.
What are the disadvantages of Flow Production?
Can be very expensive to purchase specialised machinery.
If machinery breaks down then production will come to a halt.
Jobs are very repetitive which can de-motivate employees.
What are the 5 Factors Affecting the choice of Job, Batch or Flow Production?
Finance Available
Skill of Staff
Size of Premises
Quantity Required
Quality Required
What is the Skill of Staff?
Unskilled staff may mean a business is unable to consider Job Production.
What is the Size of the Premises?
A small factory may mean a business cannot fit in the large machinery required for Flow Production.
What is the Quantity Required?
If a large quantity of products is required then Batch or Flow Production would need to be considered.
What are the advantages of using Technology in Production?
Can operate 24/7.
Robots can do dangerous work.
Machinery can do monotonous/repetitive jobs.
