Production design strategies and Capacity Planning

Question 1

What is modularisation?

Answer 1

Modularisation is the process by which a production is divided into subsets known as modules that makes up the entire product. These modules have their own distictive functions that contributes to the performance and features of the final product they are used to manufacture.

Question 2

What are the benefits?

Answer 2

1. The individuals modules can be development and tested separatedly before it is used to build the product.
2. Since modules can be used in different products, therefore a wide range of products can be made.
   3.Modules can be made in large quantities, resulting in lower cost.
   4.Modularisation allows these modules to be repaired or replaced easily.

Question 3

What is miniaturisation ?

Answer 3

This is the process by which very small products are made which contains the same functions as the large products it is replacing. It involves developing smaller and smaller products over time, which uses less input materials.

Question 4

What are the advantages of miniaturisation ?

Answer 4

1. Reduction in the cost of raw materials
2. An increase in the pace of production
3. Companies can produce larger amount of outputs
4. It makes products more portability

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of miniaturisation ?

Answer 5

1. The of reaseach, development and technology may be high
2. The production process is highly dependent on machinery and automation.

Question 6

What is intergation?

Answer 6

Intergation is where all the departments that part an important part in making the product working together. Team work encourages the marketer, designer and the production team to work together in making the best product possible. Each department working together increasing the overall qualilty of the product.

Question 7

What is value analysis ?

Answer 7

This is a systemic attempt to minise production cost and or improve the performance of the product whether it is produced by the business or purchased by another. This is done by the business examining everything that is involved in making the product for example : materials used, information systems and process. The whole aim of vakue analysis is the reduce cost and improve efficieny. This is done by the business evaluating each material or component used ensuring that it’s value corresponses to it’s cost. Cost can also be reduced by using cheaper materials, designs and methods of manufacturing.

Question 7

What are the advantages of value analysis ?

Answer 7

1. Reduction in material cost
2. Reduction in the wastage of the firm
3. Customer’s satifaction is increased
4. The motivation the employees would be improved

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of value analysis ?

Answer 7

1. If used widely, it can be very time consuming and expensive
2. If the process is not supervised and organised properly, it can be counterproductive

Question 7

What is Computer Aided Design ?

Answer 7

CAD is a computer system that is used in the designing of products. It is used to design ( create ), modify and analyse a product’s design. It is a software that allows designers generate and store design using 2d and 3d designs . It is used in shipbuilding and automotive industries.

Question 7

What are the benefits ?

Answer 7

1. Less human error, as designs are accurate in compared to human drawing
2. The software allows designers the able to edit and save designs
3. Modification to the design is less time consuming and cheaper
4. Designs can be shared with multiple users

Question 8

What are the drawbacks ?

Answer 8

1. The initial cost of the software can be very high and therefore expensive especially for small firms
2. It requires the use of particular technologies such as personal computers.
3. The firm may have to train staff in using the software

Question 8

What is Computer Aided Manufacturing ?

Answer 8

It is a software that works hand in hand with Cad. It is software and hardware that uses the cad data and models to make instructions to be used in the creation of products. It works by linking the product design with the actual product.

Question 8

What is advantages of Cam?

Answer 8

1. Results in the consistency. Leading to the products being the same.
2. Improves the level of accuracy in production.
3. It is ideal for speeding up production
4. Cuts the leading time between designing and manufacturing the product.

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of Cam ?

Answer 8

1. The software tends to be expensive, therefore the firm incurs a high start up cost
2. Not economical for a one off production or product.
3. The firm may have to train staff to use the software leading to an increase in cost.