Production Flashcards
Production
Production is when resources such as raw materials or components are changed into products.
Job Production
Job production is the production of a single product at a time. It’s used when orders for products are small, such as one offs. This could be custom orders such as wedding dresses. 
Advantages of Job Production
Job production means that customer service is high due to the quality of the product.
It also means that products can be custom-made as it is a one off. 
Disadvantages of Job Production
Job production can be expensive because it requires workers with a high level of skill in a certain area.
Production may be slow because not many specialists would be hired to work on just one product.
Batch Production
Batch production is used to make multiple of the same product at once as they are regularly in demand rather than a one off. An example would be a baker baking bread; they batch produce the bread as it is constantly in demand. 
Advantages of Batch Production
Workers are likely to specialise in one process so not everything depends on one person, avoiding a higher risk of mistakes.
Unit costs are lower because output is higher. 
Disadvantages of Batch Production
More complex machinery may be needed in order to help workers produce multiple of the same product with repeated processes.
Careful coordination and planning is needed in order to make sure process proceeds smoothly. 
Flow Production
Flow production is when different operations are carried out consecutively in a continuous sequence. An example would be when cars are being manufactured, flow production would be used and each section of workers would have a role that continues the production. 
Advantages of Flow Production
The production speed can vary depending on demand.
Output can be produced very quickly because of the continuous flow. 
Disadvantages of Flow Production
Worker motivation can be very low because of repetitive tasks.
 Products may be too standardised and consumers may lose interest because of the lack of change.
Cell Production
Cell production is when the workplace is divided into cells and each cell carries out multiple similar operations repeatedly. For example, the metal body part of a machine might need to be cut, punched, folded spot wielded and dispatched. 
Advantages of Cell Production
More floor space because cell production requires less space than a linear production line. 
Teamwork is encouraging to the workers. 
Disadvantages of Cell Production
There may be conflict between cells if one cell is left to wait for output from another.
Greater investment is required in new management and control processes. 
Labour Productivity
Output can increase if productivity is increased.
Productivity is the amount of output that can be produced within given input.
A business may measure labour productivity (output per worker per period of time)
Factors influencing productivity
Education and training
Motivation of workers
Labour flexibility
Specialisation and the division of labour
