Production Technology

Question 1

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY​

Answer 1

Refers to the way capital, technology, natural resources, and labor are combined to create final goods.

Question 2

production technology

Answer 2

include any machinery that makes creating a tangibAle physical product possible for a business.

Question 3

Labor –intensive technology​

Answer 3

A production technology that requires many workers and relatively few machines ​

Question 4

Capital – intensive technology​

Answer 4

A technology that uses many machines and relatively few workers.​

Question 5

DISADVANTAGES OF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY ​

Answer 5

-As new technology continues to evolve, small-business owners must make key decisions regarding the need to change their existing production process. Although implementing a new production technology may enhance your operation over the long term, the process can pose challenges. Using new technology may even present disadvantages for your business.​

Question 6

DISADVANTAGES OF PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY ​

Answer 6

-Expenses
-Resistance to change
-Job Loss
-Implementation and maintenance issues

Question 7

Expenses​
​

Answer 7

Implementing new technology may drain the finances of a small business. If you need to finance the purchase of new production equipment, the additional debt load can create a heavy burden. You also need to consider the cost of reduced productivity while your workers learn how to operate the equipment and any associated new production processes. Depending on the nature of the equipment, you may need to make changes to or expand your facility to accommodate it.​

Question 7

Resistance to Change​
​

Answer 7

If you’ve been using the same production processes for many years or employ a large number of veteran employees, a new production technology may not be welcomed with open arms. Any type of change can be met with resistance, especially by workers who are comfortable and set in their ways. Before implementing the change, it may be helpful to meet with your employees and demonstrate how the new technology can make their jobs easier in the long run.​

Question 8

Job Loss​

Answer 8

Unfortunately, implementing new technology could mean the loss of jobs, especially when automated processes can perform the same work more cheaply and efficiently than humans. You may have to make the painful decision to let go long-term, loyal employees in favor of a new production process that allows you to remain competitive. Remaining employees may resent your actions or even fear they could be next, creating a reduction in morale throughout your company.​

Question 9

Implementation and Maintenance Issues​

Answer 9

While implementing new production technology, there are bound to be “bugs” in the system that could even stop production for a period of time. A machine or process may not perform in the manner you need, and it may require additional tweaking to gain the necessary results. Even after everything is running efficiently, malfunctions may occur on occasion. Unless there’s someone on your staff possessing the skills needed to make the corrections, you may need to spend additional time and money bringing in an expert.​

Question 10

The Advantages of Production Technology​

Answer 10

Product usually high quality​

Producer meets individual customer needs​

Greater job satisfaction – involved in all stages of production​

Question 11

Three types of production systems:​

Answer 11

Custom production​

Job-lot production​

Line production​

Question 12

CUSTOM PRODUCTION​

Answer 12

Custom production are characterized by manufacturing one or few quantity of products designed and produced as per the specification of customers within prefixed time and cost.​

This is a low volume and high variety of products.​

One person or several people work on one product at a time. They do all the processes on the one product until it is finished. ​

This type of manufacturing is generally used when only one product of a certain type is wanted.​

Question 13

CUSTOM PRODUCTION IS CHARACTERIZED BY;​

Answer 13

1. High variety of products and low volume. ​
2. Use of general purpose machines and facilities. ​
3. Highly skilled operators who can take up each job as a challenge because of uniqueness.​
4. Large inventory of materials, tools, parts. ​

Question 14

ADVANTAGES​ OF CUSTOM PRODUCTION

Answer 14

1. Because of general purpose machines and facilities, variety of products can be produced. ​
2. Operators will become more skilled and competent, as each job gives them learning opportunities.​
3. Full potential of operators can be utilized. ​
4. Opportunity exists for Creative methods and innovative ideas.​

Question 15

Job-lot Production​

Answer 15

It is used when only a limited number of the same product is wanted. ​

The company takes orders from individuals or from another company for a specific number of products. The machines are set-up and the products are made. After the products are finished, a new order for a different product is taken.​

Question 16

Job-lot Production is characterized by;​

Answer 16

1. Shorter production runs.​
2. Plant and machinery are flexible. ​
3. Plant and machinery set up is used for the production of item in a batch and change of set up is required for processing the next batch. ​
4. Manufacturing lead-time and cost are lower.​

Question 17

ADVANTAGES​ OF JOB LOT PRODUCTION

Answer 17

1. Better utilization of plant and machinery.​
2. Promotes functional specialization. ​
3. Cost per unit is lower as compared to job(custom) order production.​
4. Lower investment in plant and machinery. ​
5. Flexibility to accommodate and process number of products. ​
6. Job satisfaction exists for operators.​

Question 18

LIMITATIONS​ OF JOB LOT PRODUCTION

Answer 18

1. Material handling is complex because of irregular and longer flows. ​
2. Production planning and control is complex​
3. Work in process inventory is higher compared to continuous production. ​
4. Higher set up costs due to frequent changes in set up​

Question 19

Line production ​

Answer 19

It is used when very large quantities of a product are to be made. The machines are arranged in a line or product lay out.​

All the jobs are broken down into single operations. People are assigned to jobs.​

Machines and usually a conveyor system are set up in positions where they will remain for long period of time. Once the production starts, each worker does one job continually (over and over) ​

​

Question 20

Line production is characterized by;​

Answer 20

Standardization of product and process sequence. ​

Dedicated special purpose machines having higher production capacities and output rates. ​

Large volume of products. ​

Shorter cycle time of production.​

Lower in process inventory. ​

Perfectly balanced production lines. ​

Flow of materials, components and parts is continuous and without any back tracking. ​

Production planning and control is easy.​

Material handling can be completely automatic.​

Question 21

ADVANTAGES​ OF LINE PRODUCTION

Answer 21

1. Higher rate of production with reduced cycle time. ​
2. Higher capacity utilization due to line balancing.​
3. Less skilled operators are required.​
4. Low process inventory. ​
5. Manufacturing cost per unit is low.​

Question 22

LIMITATIONS​ OF LINE PRODUCTION

Answer 22

1. Breakdown of one machine will stop an entire production line. ​
2. Line layout needs major change with the changes in the product design. ​
3. High investment in production facilities. ​
4. The cycle time is determined by the slowest operation​

Question 23

PRODUCTION PROCEDURE​

Answer 23

1. Converting raw materials ​
2. Making standard stocks​
3. Making components​
4. Assembling components into subassemblies ​

5.Making finished goods​

6. Preparing for distribution​

Question 24

Converting raw materials​

Answer 24

The first step in production is to change the raw material into a form useful for making a product. ​

Raw materials are provided by nature. They may be grown such as trees, cotton, and grain or raised such as sheep and cattle.​

Others are extracted from the ground ,water, or air such as iron ore, petroleum , and oxygen.​

Question 25

Making standard stock​

Answer 25

A raw material is more useful when it is converted (changed) into standard stock.​

This means that the material is formed into a standard (widely used ) size and shape. ​

Standard stock sizes are smaller and easier to handle. Also, planning products is easier when the sizes and shapes of materials are known.​

Question 26

Making components​

Answer 26

Standard stocks is made into the components (individual parts) of a product.​

Some products have one component ​

Many products are made up of many individual components. (ex. Wood and the eraser are component of a pencil)​

Question 27

Assembling components into sub​
assemblies​

Answer 27

The components are assembled (put together) with other components.​

This can be done by a number of methods ​

A combination of methods may be used.​

Components may be put together with glue, by welding, or with screws, bolts or nails.​

Question 28

Making finished products​

Answer 28

When all the components are assembled and inspected the result is finished product.​

Often finished products are components of other products (ex. The light bulb is a finished component of a lamp)​

Question 29

Preparing for distribution​

Answer 29

The finished product is prepared for distribution to protect it during shipping.​

Many products need to be placed in packages to make them easy to handle.​

Products are usually stored in a warehouse before shipment to consumers.​

They are then loaded onto trucks, trains, boats, or planes ​