5.2 Operation methods

Job production

where products are made to meet the specific requirements of individual customers. Each item is produced separately (a job) and the production process is tailored to the unique specifications of the customer's order.

Key characteristics

• customisation

• low volume

• variability

• skilled labour

• longer lead time

pros and cons of job production

pros

• allows high levels of customisation

• flexibility to adapt

• higher attention to detail

• charge premium pricing

cons

• more expensive to produce

• longer lead times

• complex and challenging to manage

• cannot achieve economies of scale

batch production

occurs when products are produced in groups or batches. A certain quantity of products is produced together before moving on to the next batch

pros and cons of batch production

pros

• switch between batches for varying demands

• cost effective

• economies of scale (to an extent)

• quality

cons

• time consuming

• high inventory levels

• not adaptable

mass / flow production

occurs when a product is produced in a continuous sequence of operations on a production line. Product moves along the production line it undergoes a series of operations.

characteristics of mass / flow production

• division of labour

• standardisation

• continuous movement

• high volume

• automation

pros and cons of mass production

pros

• minimises time to set up

• labour costs are low

• fast production

cons

• significant capital investment

• equipment and machinery failure/checkups

• stop requires whole process to be stoped

• steady supply of raw materials

mass customisation

sually achieved through flow production and involves the manufacture of large quantities of standardised products