Unit 4 - Production Process Flashcards
Advantages of technology and machinery ….
-produces goods and services more efficiently —-> productivity increases
-saves money in long run bc of reduction in wages
-higher quality goods and services
-makes less mistakes than humans
-reduce the number of workplace accidents
3 uses of technology in the production process..
Automation
Computers
Robotics
What’s automation ?
Machinery and computers control production.
> role of workers is to over see the use of machines
Advantages of automation…
-consistency
-reducing waste
-increased productivity
-customer satisfaction rates
-labour costs
-flexibility
What’s robotics ?
Refers to robots in the process of production
Advantages of robotics …
Large amounts can be made
Less dangerous as can be done by robots instead of people
Production can be flexible
Disadvantages of robotics in production …
-Initial costs are very expensive
-breakdowns can be problematic >resulting in a loss of production time
-robots need downtime for servicing > during this time production is limited
What are computers in the production process ?
Computers - refers to the use of computers, particularly in service industries to automate processes
3 types of production…
Job production
Batch production
Flow production
Whats job production ? Example :
Advantages
Disadvantages
-Producing each product individually. (Wedding dress)
Advantages
-Products usually high quality
-products meet needs if individual customers
-more satisfaction for workers
-higher prices charged
Disadvantages
-production costs high
-labour costs high because job production requires skilled labour
What’s batch production? Example:
-Set stages of the production process need to be gone through, one process has to be completed before the next stage of production can begin. Example: white bread and brown bread
Advantages
-needs of different customers are met
-batches made to meet specific orders from customers
-reduce costs as goods don’t need storing
-use of machinery reduced costs
Disadvantages
-takes time to switch production from a batch of one product to another produc.
Machinery needs a reset —-> increases costs
What’s flow production ? Example :
Advantages
Disadvantages
Involved assembly line, one type of product made continuosly. Goods mass produced
Eg: same bottle being made
Advantages
-Large amounts can be made
-less employees as machinery can be used
-production lines can operate 24/7
-lower unit costs
Disadvantages
-initial costs are high
- machinery could breakdown
-jobs on the assembly line can be boring —>demotivated workers
What’s productivity ?
How’s productivity calculated ?
Output did a given number of employees
Productivity = output / number of workers
How does a business increase productivity levels ?
-Recruit correct staff
-appropriately train staff to be efficient
-motivate staff with financial and non financial methods
-Replace workers with machinery
What’s different about customers nowadays ?
-Able to share information (leave review)
-customers more likely to complain
-customers more demanding
