Scales of Production

Question 1

Cell Production

Answer 1

The production of individual parts of a product, which are made independently (known as cells). Then at the end of a manufacturing cycle, all the individual parts are assembled to make one product eg. a mobile phone

Question 2

One-off Production

Answer 2

One product is made at one particular time, sometimes known as a prototype. It can take a long time and be expensive. Example: display for an exhibition stand

Question 3

Batch Production

Answer 3

A series of products that are made together in small or large quantaties

Question 4

Mass Production/Repetitive Flow

Answer 4

The product is produced for days or even weeks and in large numbers resulting in the product being relatively inexpensive. Example: car assembly

Question 5

Continuous Production

Answer 5

A product is continually being produced over a period of hours, days or even years. This sort of production very often results in the product being relatively inexpensive. Example: A milk carton

Question 6

Just in Time Production (JIT)

Answer 6

The arrival of component parts at exactly the time they are needed at the factory. This allows for less storage space, saving on costly warehousing. But, if the product supply of components is stopped, the production line stops, which then becomes very costly.