Topic 18 - Methods of Production

Question 1

Automation

Answer 1

Production is fully automatic.

Advantages:
- Robots produce products in the exact same way every time, improving consistency
- Robots don’t lose concentration so fewer mistakes are made, limits waste
- Robots can do jobs that are dangerous for humans to do
- Robots don’t take breaks so can work 24/7
- Fewer employees needed, reduces wage costs

Disadvantages:
- High investment is needed to automate a production line
- Breakdowns may cause a loss of production and a high amount of waste
- Replacing labour with robotics will demotivate retained employees
- Lack of creativity and personality in products produced

Question 2

Mechanisation

Answer 2

Labour and machines produce products.

Advantages:
- Using machinery improves accuracy over purely handmade products as there is less human error
- Using machinery can speed up production
- A human element exists, improving creativity

Disadvantages:
- Machines and equipment can be used without humans, so are liable to some human error
- Production can’t be 24/7 as humans require breaks
- If machinery breaks down, the business has to repair it leaving workers idle

Question 3

Labour Production

Answer 3

Humans produce the product.

Advantages:
-Less expensive than automation
- Humans can use initiative and creativity
- Constant supply of skilled labour available in areas of the country with manufacturing traditions
- Employees are motivated as machines aren’t taking over their jobs

Disadvantages:
- High risk of human error, resulting in waste and faulty products
- Humans have to take breaks which limits production time
- Recruitment, training and wage costs need to be considered
- Humans have to be paid overtime for working over normal hours whereas machines cost the same at any time of day

Question 4

Reasons for Production Choices

Answer 4

• Quantity of goods required
• Skills of the workforce
• Cost of labour
• Finance available
• Technology available