unit 4 - operations Flashcards
(26 cards)
robotics -
use of robots in the production process
quality control -
the process of inspecting products and services to ensure that what customers receive is of a high standard
quality assurance-
a process of carrying out quality checks at specific stages during the production process.
This ensures that faults and sub-standard products are found sooner rather than at the end of the production process.
what is batch control?
Where one group of identical products is made at the same time, before moving onto producing the next group.
automation
production process that involves machinery that is controlled by a computer rather than a person
what is job production?
Individual products are made one at a time to meet specific customer needs.
what is flow production
Where identical, standardised products are produced on an assembly line.
job production advantages (x3)
High profit margins for bespoke products
Employees may gain enjoyment from using their specialist skills
customers get exactly what they want
job production disadvantage (x3)
Highly skilled staff may not be available, which can make training staff very expensive
time consuming
Highly skilled staff are required, which increases costs
batch production advantages (x3)
can be partially automated
Able to make a variety of sizes or flavours
Can produce more products than job production
batch production disadvantages (x2)
As batch production is not fully automated, costs may be higher than in flow production
Not as flexible regarding customers’ tastes as job production
flow production advantages (x3)
Able to make far larger quantities
Consistency in production means products are identical, which means customers know exactly what they are buying
Highly automated process
flow production disadvantages (x3)
In competitive markets for similar mass-produced goods, profit margins can be very low
Customers like products that are tailored to their specific preferences
Expensive to buy all the machinery needed for automation
how can a business improve productivity?
Investing in up-to-date machinery – This can help workers to produce more products in the same length of time. It can also reduce the need for employees by replacing them with
automated
machinery.
Providing incentives to encourage workers to work harder and faster – There are several ways this can be achieved, such as through
promotion opportunities or pay incentives.
Providing training to staff to improve their skills so they can work more efficiently.
Encouraging staff to come up with time-saving ideas that allow them to work more efficiently – Many businesses have suggestion boxes where staff can provide ideas on how the business could operate better.
incentives mean
An encouragement or reason to do something.
recalls
when a fault occurs with a product and the business asks for the product to be taken back to the shop or sent back to a retailer so it can be repaired or replaced
telesales
sales done over the telephone
face to face
involves direct contact between buyer and seller
after sales services
advice and help given to a customer after they have bought a product or service
customer service
the name given to an area of a business that deals with customer enquiries
consumer law
area of law that protects the customers of a business
fit for purpous
a good or service must do what its meant to do
satisfactory quality of goods
means good should reflect the price charged for them
procurement
management of purchasing within a business