8.1 - scales of production

Factors influencing choice of scale

Demand
Budget
Warehouse space
Production cost
Manufacturing processes
Planned production

One-off

Unique requirement/size
Highly skilled manufacturers
low numbers of staff

Batch

2-10,000 units
Identicle products in specific quantities
FMS used to respond to demand

Continuous manufacturing

10,000+ units
High quantity, low unit cost
Automated
Sequenced production lines

Just In Time (JIT)

Reduces inventory left in storge
Reduces waste/defects from storage

Production Scheduling

All aspects of production including raw material, money, staff etc
Timescales are allocated and all run to a tight schedule

Examples of standardised components

Nuts/bolts/screws
Sheet material

Advantages of standard components

Consistency
Saves time and effort
Reduces cost

Disadvantages of standard components

Relies on another manufacturer
Price dependant on demand
Can be lower quality

Lean manufacturing

Aims to optimise production and reduce cost
Can be added to mass

Quick response manufacturing

Companies respond to, rather than try to predict demand
redueces waste
Improves flexibility