Unit 3.1 - production Flashcards
Define job production.
A method of production in which a product is supplied to meet the exact requirements of a customer - made one at a time.
Define batch production.
When groups of items move together through different stages of the production process.
Define flow (mass) production.
When an item moves continuously from one stage of the process to another in large scale production of identical items.
Name the advantages (6) and disadvantages (6) of job production.
Charge higher prices
Earn greater profits
Motivated workers - variation of what they undertake - so low turnover of employees
Greater personal links with customers
Higher customer satisfaction
High quality products
Costs are high
If price is not high - difficult to make a profit
Requires skilled workers - more expensive due to higher wages
Labour intensive - unable to introduce technology
If technology is introduced it can be underused and expensive
Change the equipment needed for each job
Name the advantages (4) and disadvantages (4) of batch production.
Benefit from economies of scale - lower unit costs
Can use machinery - lowers unit costs
Lower prices - more competitive
Range of products to choose from
Switching between products is time consuming and costly
Storage costs are high
Tedious for workers so can be bored and demotivated
Expensive to set up
Name the advantages (5) and disadvantages (5) of flow (mass) production.
Produce large quantities - lower unit costs
Benefit from economies of scale
Low unit costs
Wide range of products produced
Workers are specialised
Expensive to set up and run
Tedious for workers so can be bored and demotivated
High absenteeism and staff turnover
High storage costs
An issue in the process means production stops
Less choice for customers
Explain the difference between CAD and CAM.
CAD is a system that allows designers to produce new products using 3D models displayed on computer screens where as CAM is a process whereby a business uses computers to operate robots and other machines in production lines.
Name the advantages (3) and disadvantages (1) of using CAD.
Speeds up the designing process because drafts can be saved, recalled and edited on a computer. In addition, it can be linked to computer aided manufacture (CAM).
Reduced costs because prototypes are not required, leading to a reduction in waste due to less raw materials used. In addition, designs can be tested on computers to ensure that no errors have been made.
Alternative designs can be viewed to help choose best product.
Initial investment costs are high because the equipment/machinery and software will cost a lot of money. In addition, workers will need to be recruited and/or trained to be able to use the technology.
Name the advantages (3) and disadvantages (1) of using CAM.
Speeds up the whole production process because it can be linked with CAD. This leads to measurements being easily transferred to the manufacturing process from CAD.
Less scope for error in production because machines/technology is more accurate and allows for standardised quality. Therefore, greater customer satisfaction and fewer returns, which saves money for a business.
Lower running costs particularly in mass production because fewer workers are needed and less need for supervision of workers. This leads to a reduction in the wage bill.
High start up costs.
Define robotics.
The design, building, and application of machines (robots) to do jobs that were previously performed by humans.
Name the advantages (2) and disadvantages (3) of using robotics.
Increased efficiency because robots can work at a constant speed without tiring and no need for breaks, unlike humans.
Consistent quality because machines are programmed to be precise and there is no risk of human error.
High start-up costs because the robots are expensive to buy. In addition, there will be running costs to pay for repairs and maintenance.
Skilled workers may be needed to supervise robots or maintain them. This will lead to recruitment and/or training costs being incurred.
Potential downtime because robots may break down.
