X+5.2+Production+Methods

5.2 Production Methods
// (syllabus for class of 2016) //

JOB, BATCH, FLOW & CELL Attached below is the key power point used as an introduction to the topic

YOU WILL NEED TO KNOW THE DIS/ADVANTAGES OF EACH METHOD
 * Job (Page 347 of Loykie)
 * Batch (Page 347/8 of Loykie)
 * Mass (Page 248/9 of Loykie)

**Which method is the most appropriate - and what are the implications of changing methods?**
these are key questions for Level 2 - applying your knowledge to the Case Study given.

- while at the other end -
 * JOB** has a reputation of being high skilled, and big on innovation and customer satisfaction. Human creativity is an important factor.
 * FLOW** has a reputation for economy, value, volume and easy to train workers up. Mechanization is often widely used.

So when making recommendations you need to consider ...... etc _____________________________________________________________________________________________ TWO o//ther ideas linked to this topic, that don't fall neatly into the 4 categories above, but are important to understand//
 * 1) how available is human labour?
 * 2) what type of skills does the firm have?
 * 3) what is the reputation of the firm in terms of differentiating itself from competitors?
 * 4) what are the customer expectations of your product?

[1] PRODUCTION LINE It is a system whereby component parts are put together in order, to create the final output. If the final output was a 'airline breakfast; the first component part might be //beans//. So at the beginning of the Line a //breakfast container// would be placed, and as it progressed along the line it might first filled with //beans//, then //eggs//, then a //piece of toast//. Next it might have a //lid// put on it, and the finally //tightened and sealed//.

A Production Line system may be used in Batch, Flow and Cell. It is relevant to all 3.

[2] WORK-IN-PROGRESS Not all output can be started and completed in one shift. Many might need to be stored between shifts (eg overnight etc). It is desirable to keep Work-In-Progress to a minimum, as it consumes time and space to store, and increases the chance of depreciation [through damage or obseletion], theft etc