What are the four main production methods?
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What are the four main production methods?
The four main production methods are:
Job production
Batch production
Flow production
Mass customisation
True or False?
The type of production method used depends solely on the level of output required.
False.
The type of production method used depends on multiple factors, including
The level of output required
The nature of the product
Whether the product is standardised or customised
The level of automation used
What is job production?
Job production is where products are made individually, to meet the specific requirements of each customer.
What is meant by the term lead time?
Lead time is the period between the initiation of a production process and the completion of the product.
True or False?
Job production typically has shorter lead times compared to other production methods.
False.
Job production usually has longer lead times compared to other production methods due to customisation.
What is batch production?
Batch production is where products are produced in groups , with each batch going through the entire production process before the next batch begins.
Give an example of an industry that commonly uses batch production?
Batch production is commonly used in industries such as:
Pharmaceuticals
Beauty products
Food processing.
True or False?
Batch production allows for both customisation and cost-effectiveness.
True.
Batch production strikes a balance between customisation and cost-effectiveness.
True or False?
Batch production allows for economies of scale similar to flow production.
False.
Batch production allows a business to benefit to some extent from purchasing economies of scale, but not to the same degree as flow production.
What is flow production?
Flow production is when a product is produced in a continuous sequence of operations on a production line, with materials or components moving through a series of workstations or machines.
What is meant by the term division of labour?
Division of labour refers to the allocation of different tasks to different workstations or machines, allowing workers to specialise in specific tasks.
True or False?
Flow production is suitable for low-volume manufacturing.
False.
Flow production is suitable for high-volume manufacturing as it enables the efficient production of large quantities of identical or similar products.
In the context of flow production, define the term standardisation.
Standardisation is the manufacture of identical products to ensure consistency and a smooth flow of production.
True or False?
Flow production typically requires less capital investment than other methods.
False.
Implementing flow production systems often requires significant capital investment to purchase expensive manufacturing equipment.
Define the term mass customisation.
Mass customisation bridges the gap between mass production and customisation by offering a range of customisable options within a standardised production process.
True or False?
Mass customisation typically results in higher unit costs than mass production.
True.
Mass customisation typically results in higher variable costs than standardised, mass-produced items.
What is the main advantage of mass customisation for customers?
An advantage of mass customisation for customers is that they can obtain products that match their unique preferences, leading to high satisfaction.