Manufacturing Process Overview

This set of flashcards contains key vocabulary terms and definitions related to manufacturing processes and operations.

Manufacturing

The application of physical and chemical processes to alter materials to make products.

Raw Materials

The basic materials from which products are made.

Lean Manufacturing

A production practice that considers the expenditure of resources in any aspect other than the direct creation of value for the end customer to be wasteful.

Kaizen

A Japanese term meaning 'continuous improvement' in manufacturing and business practices.

Job Shop

A manufacturing process in which small batches of a variety of custom products are made.

Batch Manufacturing

A process that produces products in groups, moving them through a series of steps.

Mass Production

The production of large quantities of standardized products, often using assembly lines.

Plant Layout

An arrangement of facilities including personnel, operating equipment, and storage space.

Fixed Position Layout

A layout where the product remains stationary and resources are brought to it.

Process Layout

A layout where similar operations are grouped together, suitable for batch production.

Concurrent Engineering

A systematic approach to the integrated concurrent design of products and their related processes, including manufacturing and support.

Product Layout

A layout where machines and equipment are arranged according to the sequence of operations.

Cellular Layout

A layout that divides the plant into groups or cells that support the production of similar parts.

Quality and Metrology

The science of measurement applied in manufacturing to ensure quality standards.

Excess Inventory

Having more inventory than necessary, which can increase holding costs and waste.

Overprocessing

Performing more work or using more resources than is necessary in the production of goods.

Defects

Variations from the desired product quality that necessitate rework or scrap.

Customer Focused

An approach that prioritizes customer satisfaction in all operations of a business.

Transportation Waste

Unnecessary movement of products or materials that does not add value.

Standardized Production

Production that follows a set process to ensure consistency and quality.