OPERATIONS PROCESS

Inputs

Resources used in the transformation process including transformed and transforming resources.

Transformed resources

Materials, information, and customers that are processed or transformed.

Transforming resources

Human resources and facilities that facilitate the transformation of inputs.

Transformation process

The conversion of inputs into outputs (goods or services).

Outputs

The final goods or services produced by the transformation process.

Labour

A common direct input involving human effort in the production process.

Energy

A vital input required for operating machinery and facilities in production.

Raw materials

Basic materials used in the manufacturing of products.

Machinery

Equipment utilized in production to facilitate the transformation of inputs.

Technology

Techniques and machinery that improve efficiency in the transformation process.

Volume flexibility

A business's ability to adjust production volumes in response to demand changes.

Variety flexibility

A business's ability to offer a wide range of products or services.

Variation in demand

Changes in customer demand that impact resource allocation and production processes.

Customer contact

Interaction with customers that influences production decisions and practices.

Sequencing

The order in which activities in the operations process occur.

Scheduling

The timing and duration of activities within the operations process.

Gantt chart

A visual tool used to plan and monitor project schedules.

Critical path analysis (CPA)

A scheduling method that identifies essential tasks and their sequence.

Business technology

Machinery and systems that assist businesses in their transformation processes.

Robotics

Programmable machines used in manufacturing and assembly processes.

Computer-aided design (CAD)

A digital design tool that aids in product design using specific inputs.

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

Software that directs manufacturing processes for efficiency.

Task design

The structuring of job activities to enhance completion and efficiency.

Skills audit

An evaluation process to determine the current skill levels within an organization.

Process layout

An arrangement of machines grouped by the functions they perform.

Product production

Mass production of high volume, consistent quality goods.

Process production

Production involving high variety and low volume goods.

Project production

Production that deals with large-scale, bulky activities, like construction.

Fixed position layout

A layout where a product remains in a single location due to its size or weight.

Outputs of the operation process

Goods and services produced as a result of the transformation process.

Customer service

Operations that meet or exceed customer expectations.

Warranties

Promises made by a business to correct defects in products or services.

Monitoring

The process of measuring actual versus planned performance.

Control

Assessing KPIs against targets and taking corrective action when needed.

Improvement

Efforts to reduce inefficiencies, waste, and bottlenecks in processes.

Bottleneck

An aspect of the process that slows down overall production speed.

Quality assurance

Processes aimed at ensuring that products meet defined quality standards.

Market research

Analysis to understand customer needs and improve service delivery.

Long-term customer relationships

Sustained interactions that exceed client expectations and foster loyalty.

Flexible office design

Workspaces that adapt to new operational requirements post-pandemic.

Supply chain management

Management of the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers.

Transformation resources

Resources involved in the transformation of inputs to outputs.

Process layout advantages

Efficient grouping of tasks to increase operational effectiveness.

Office layout post-pandemic

Changes in workspace design that promote hygiene and collaboration.

Customer focus

Aligning all operations towards meeting customer expectations.

Corrective action

Steps taken to address discrepancies between actual performance and goals.

Continuous improvement

Ongoing efforts to enhance products, services, or processes over time.

Efficiency

The ability to achieve maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort.

Inventory costs

Expenses associated with holding and managing stock.