Methods of Production Flashcards
What are the 3 methods of production?
Job production
Batch production
Flow prodcution
Describe job production
A one-off product is made to a customer’s own specifications. One product is finished before another is started.
Advantages of job production
More motivating for employees as they see the product from start to finish.
Can charge higher prices as product is customised.
Disadvantages of job production
Production can be expensive and time consuming as it’s very labour intensive.
If working on a job/project, then may not get paid until it is completed.
Describe batch production
Groups of identical products are made at the same time. Once one batch is completed the machinery is cleaned and reset for the next batch.
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.
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.
Describe flow production
The continuous production of products along an assembly line with parts being added at each stage. Often referred to as mass production.
Advantages of flow production
Production can take place 24 hours per day as it’s very capital intensive.
Standardisation of products.
Use of low-skilled workers reduces the wage bill.
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?
Finance available
Skill of staff
Size of premises
Quantity required
Quality required
Describe finance available
Low amounts of finance may mean a business cannot afford to purchases machinery required for flow production.
Describe skill of staff
Unskilled staff may mean a business is unable to consider job production.
Describe size of premises
A small factory may mean a business cannot fit in the large machinery required for flow production.
Describe quantity required
If a large quantity of products is required then batch production or flow production would need to be considered.
