Types of production Processes

Types of production Processes

1. Mass production

   • Originated in the Industrial Revolution (late 18th–19th century)
   • Large production of standardised products with specialised machinery and division of labour
   • Advantages
     • Low cost per unit, quality and uniformity in the product, fast production rates
   • Disadvantages
     • Low flexibility to change, high dependence on machinery, Laboral monotony due to repetitive tasks
   • Example
     • Coca-Cola packaging system. (Putting the liquid into the bottle)

2. Continuos production

   • Emerged from mass production for process industries, Mid-20th century
   • Operates 24/7, continuous flow of inputs and outputs, rigid process control
   • Advantages
     • Maximum efficiency and productivity, consistent product quality, low labour requirement per unit produced
   • Disadvantages
     • High initial investment, it isn't easy to give maintenance to the machines. Difficult to adapt to demand changes
   • Example
     • Dairy pasteurization: continuous flow to pasteurise milk in a constant amount of steam

3. Lean Manufacturing

   • Developed by Toyota after World War II, and named Toyota Production System (TPS)
   • Focus on value creation, eliminates waste of time, continuous improvement culture
   • Advantages
     • Reduce costs and waste, improve quality and customer satisfaction, better employee engagement
   • Disadvantages
     • Requires a cultural change and 100% commitment, implementing it takes time, not efficient in unpreditable demand
   • Example
     • Nestlé minimises waste during packaging and quickly adapts to new changes in product lines

4. Advanced manufacturing

   • Emerged in the late 20th century
     • Integration of Automation, robotics, AI, senosrt, precision manufacturing
     • Advantages
       • High efficiency and precision, real-time monitoring
     • Disadvantages
       • High cost, highly skilled personnel, and cybersecurity risks

5. Just in Time (JIT)

   • Developed by Toyota in the 1970s
   • Produce only what is needed, when it's needed, in the amount required
     • Example: McDonald's system to serve fast food
   • It has very low inventory levels, synchronization between suppliers, production, and customers
   • Advantages
     • Reduces storage and inventory costs, Less waste, and quicker responses to changes in the market
   • Diasdavantages
     • Cannot be interrupted, requires precise forecasting and coordination activities, and it is Vulnerable to delays

6. Batch production

   • The products manufactured in groups or batches
     • Scheduling and process documentation
   • Evolved in the early 20th century, between craft and mass production
   • Disadvange
     • Inconsistencies between batches, higher labour and scheduling complexity
   • Advantage
     • Great flexibility, good quality control, suitable seasonal or variable demand, lower investment than continuous systems
   • Example
     • Production of Natural and sweet yoghurts in batches