Unit 3.1: Production processes

job production

when individual products are made one at a time to meet specific customer preferences

flow production

using a production line to make goods continuously and in large numbers

lean production

continually working to reduce the waste when creating products

Just-in-time stock management(JIT)

organising the ordering of raw materials and components to be delivered just before they will be used, reducing the need for storage

advantages of job production

• tailored to customer’s preferences so gives business USP

• high-quality

• workers are creative and motivated so efficient

• could increase revenue

disadvantages of job production

• takes a long time

• higher costs

• customer base is small as expensive prices

advantages of flow production

• large no. of identical product being mass produced

• specialised at what they do since they only have one task

• unit costs low

• increased output

disadvantages of flow production

• when one messes up, affects the rest of production line

• workers may lose motivation since job is repetitive

• running machines continuously can lead to them breaking down

overproduction

producing goods before customers demand them

How can transporting lead to wastage?

too much handling can cause damage

unnecessary inventory

having too much stock takes up space and gets in the way of productive activity

How can motion lead to wastage?

employees involved in unnecessary bending, stretching and other body movements wastes time

How can over-processing lead to wastage?

using complex equipment to carry out simple tasks can be wasteful

How can defects lead to wastage?

products that are poorly made have to be rejected, and time is wasted on inspecting for faults