Production Flashcards
Production
The transformation of resources into finished goods or services
Main methods of production
- Job Production
- Flow production
- Batch production
- Mass Customisation
Job Production
When products are made to meet the specific requirements of individual customers. Each item is to be produced separately. (For example, a tailored suit)
2 Advantages of Job Production
- Offers a more personalized customer experience which means more customer satisfaction
- More focus to quality control since each product is made individually
2 Disadvantages of Job Production
- Job production is complex and expensive per unit
- Takes longer, meaning customers may feel annoyed waiting long times to get their product delivered
Batch Production
Occurs when products are produced in groups or batches. Each batch is of a standardized size and follows a particular sequence of operations performed on them to get to the finished product (this is common in food processing industry)
2 Advantages of Batch Production
- Allows manufacturers to switch between batches and cater for varying customer demands
- Contrary to job production, it allows for purchasing economies of scale as larger quantities of stock are needed
2 disadvantages of batch production
- Setting up the equipment for each batch can be time-consuming
- Can often lead to an accumulation of stock which requires storage and careful management to minimize wastage
Mass/Flow Production
When products are continuously produced by raw materials going through a series of machines on a production line, each performing a particular task, to get to the finished product.
2 disadvantages of flow production
- Often require significant capital investment to implement
- Relies on a steady supply of raw materials, any errors in the supply chain can have large negative impacts on production
2 Advantages of flow production
- Minimizes setup time. Only needs to be implemented once
- Enables for faster production and higher quantities of finished goods so companies can respond more quickly to market demands
Mass Customisation
Mass customisation seeks to bridge the gap between mass production and customisation by offering customers a flexible range of customizations and still produce them in a mass production style using cell production and technology like CAD.
Cell Production
When a manufacturing team is divided into smaller teams, with each team assigned to a particular part of the manufacturing process.
2 advantages of cell production
- Compartmentalizes the production process, allowing for more attention to each cell when optimizing it, ultimately increasing efficiency of the whole process
- Workers can more easily identify and address issues within their cell leading to improved quality control
