Classification of Production System

Classification of Production

1. Intermittent Production Systems

• Characteristics:
  • Produce goods in batches or runs, with periods of production followed by periods of no production.
  • Low to medium production volume.
  • High product variety.
  • Flexible to accommodate changes in customer demand.
  • Longer lead times due to batch processing and setup times.
  • Requires more inventory management to handle fluctuations in production and demand.
• Examples:
  • Custom furniture manufacturing
  • Job shops producing specialized products
  • Printing and publishing

2. Continuous Production Systems

• Characteristics:
  • Produce goods in a continuous flow, without interruptions.
  • High production volume.
  • Standardized products with limited variety.
  • Shorter lead times due to continuous flow.
  • Efficient and cost-effective for large-scale production.
  • Requires a stable supply chain to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Examples:
  • Steel mills
  • Chemical plants
  • Oil refineries

Within Intermittent Production Systems:

• Project Production Flows:
  • Involve producing a single, large-scale project with a defined scope and timeline.
  • Examples: Construction of bridges, ships, aircraft.
• Jobbing Production Flows:
  • Produce small quantities of customized products based on specific customer orders.
  • Examples: Tailoring, repair services, custom jewelry.
• Batch Production Flows:
  • Produce goods in batches or lots, with each batch having a similar configuration.
  • Examples: Pharmaceuticals, food processing, furniture manufacturing.

Within Continuous Production Systems:

• Mass Production Flows:
  • Produce large quantities of standardized products using highly automated processes.
  • Examples: Automobiles, consumer electronics, beverages.
• Process Production Flows:
  • Used for industries with continuous processes, such as chemicals, oil, and gas.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Production System:

• Product characteristics: Volume, variety, customization requirements.
• Demand patterns: Predictability and stability of demand.
• Cost: Production costs, inventory costs, setup costs.
• Lead time: Time required to produce and deliver products.
• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changes in demand or product specifications.
• Quality: Need for high-quality standards.
• Resource availability: Availability of skilled labor, capital, and equipment.