Job production/customized production: producing a one-off item specially designed for each customer.
Batch production: producing limited number of identical products each item in the batch passes through one stage of production before passing on to the next stage.
Flow production: producing items in a continually moving production line - also known as line production. This can be a continuous 24-hours-a day method.
Mass production: producing large quantities of a standardized product.
Process production: producing standardized goods, typically in bulk quantities, by using a continuous input of materials and other resources.
Mass customization: use of flexible computer aided production systems to produce items to meet individual customers’ requirements at mass production cost levels.
Cell manufacturing/production: lean method of producing similar products using cells, or groups of team members, to facilitate operations by eliminating setup time between operations.
\
Production methods - making the choice
Factors that will influence which production method is appropriate for a particular business/product:
Size of the market
Amount of capital available
Availability of other resources
Market demand exists for products adapted to specific customer