5.2 Production methods

Introduction

• Ways in which goods and services can be produced:

  • 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