Production processes

Overview

Job, batch and flow production with their advantages and drawbacks, why flow production has low unit costs, and automation, computers and robots in modern manufacturing.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Define job production.

   Model answer

   Job production makes a single, unique product to meet one customer's exact requirements. Examples include a wedding dress, a made-to-measure kitchen and a new bridge.

2. 2

   What are the advantages of job production for a business?

   Model answer

   A business can charge a high price for a product made to the customer's own order. Workers doing varied, skilled tasks also tend to be well motivated.

3. 3

   What are the disadvantages of job production?

   Model answer

   Job production is slow and relies on skilled, well-paid workers. Unit costs are high because the business gains no economies of scale.

4. 4

   What is batch production?

   Model answer

   Batch production makes a group of identical products together before the equipment is changed over for a different group. A bakery making a tray of white loaves, then brown loaves, uses batch production.

5. 5

   What are the advantages of batch production?

   Model answer

   Batch production gives lower unit costs than job production because products are made in quantity. A business can still offer variety by switching between batches.

6. 6

   What are the disadvantages of batch production?

   Model answer

   Machinery stands idle while it is cleaned or reset between batches. Each batch must also be stored until it is sold, which ties up cash.

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