Scales of production/ semi- automated/ manual labour

Question 1

What are the different scales of production?

Answer 1

One-off production
Batch production
Mass production
Continuous flow production

Question 2

What is ‘one-off production’?

Answer 2

This is when only a single product is made that follow exact specialized requirements for example a birthday cake or tailored clothing
It’s usually labour intensive, time consuming and difficult to repeat. These factors also make this the most expensive manufacturing system where products are produced in bulk.

Question 3

What is ‘Batch production’?

Answer 3

Where a limited amount of items are produced in one go, in batch. These products may have slight variations such as changes in colour or text.
As materials can be brought in bulk, machinery can be used and you can have a less skilled work force, price for this type of manufacturing process is reduced. The time is also reduced due to the use of machinery (CAM).

Question 4

What is ‘High-volume production’?

Answer 4

The production of large quantities of a product that usually involves an production line when parts are manufactured and put together at the end.

• Expensive specialized equipment is used
• Usually an unskilled workforce who can easily operate the machines
• Price for machinery is offset by the inexpensive labour

Question 5

What is ‘continuous flow production’?

Answer 5

This production is implemented when the demand for the product is high and they need to be produced 24/7.

• Very expensive initial costs due to extensive CAM machinery that can only be payed back if high numbers of a product can be sold.
• Less employment as the operation is mostly automated
• more energy and power needed for machinery which results in more pollution.

Question 6

Advantages and disadvantages of semi- automated labour.

Answer 6

Advantages
- There is a degree of flexibility
- Workers can fix machinery if it’s not working
- More consistent products due to machines
Disadvantages
- High initial cost and takes a lot of time to set up
- Machines can fail
- you have to pay the employees
- Machines pose a risk to health

Question 7

Advantages and disadvantages of manual labour.

Answer 7

Advantages
- There is a degree of flexibility
- Less reliance on machinery 
- Not as much of an initial cost
Disadvantages
- You have to pay each employee 
- Workers need breaks and can't work continuously