Scales of Production

One-off Production One of production involves designing and making a single product such as a wedding cake a designer suit, or an individual chair. Typically one-off production involves highly skilled workers who undertake a range of tasks with multi- functional tools and equipment. One-off production is often slow and is expensive.

Batch Production Batch production products are identical and made at the same time in either large or small numbers. Once a set number have been made another similar product can be made using the same equipment. Manufacturing aids (jigs and formers) are used. Chairs, magazines, books and small electrical products are usually batch produced.

Continuous and Mass Production In continuous production, products are continuously (24 hrs 7 days week) produced over a period of weeks or even years. Usually relies on high levels of automation. Typically workers are less skilled. Cost of the machinery is high and very specialised but this reduces the cost of the product.

Just In Time (J.I.T.) Manufacturing Just in time production has been developed for products where lots of different options are available. Modern car manufacture is often based around J.I.T. Each part of the product is planned so it will reach the production line just in time for its assembly. If you order a silver car with a red interior these parts are planned to come together at the correct time.

How does JIT work? A JIT manufacturer has to work very closely with their suppliers. It’s the company’s job to organise their delivery to the production line (logistics). JIT relies heavily on ICT. As soon as a customer orders a particular product this information is shared among the suppliers Video

Homework Stock Control 1: Explain how ICT can be used to control and monitor stock levels. 2: Draw a diagram to explain how stock control would work for a tined product in a supermarket.

Quality in manufacture Quality Assurance – QA Quality Assurance ensures that products are made to a consistently high standard. Manufacturing processes, material selection, equipment and staff training is controlled to ensure the quality of the final product. Jigs are used in quality assurance to ensure consistency

Quality Control – QC Quality Control, is the checking of a series of samples at various stages on the production line to ensure that each part meets a specific previously set standard. Testing product as part of quality control

Tolerance As its not always possible to make things exactly the same, during quality control a tolerance may be applied dictating for example maximum and minimum measurements for a component.