Types of Production Systems (Process, Mass, Flow, Batch, Job Shop & Project Production Systems)

Summary

This video explains the differences between continuous and intermittent production systems, highlighting key classifications within each category. Continuous production, including process flow and mass production, involves high-volume, automated manufacturing with minimal human intervention, used in industries like petrochemicals and automobiles. Intermittent production, on the other hand, consists of batch, job shop, and project production, catering to varied and smaller-scale products, often customized based on specific orders, with examples ranging from pharmaceuticals to construction projects.

Takeaways

• 🔄 Continuous production systems involve high volumes of the same products using automated and special-purpose equipment.
• ⚙️ Continuous flow production operates 24/7 with minimal human intervention and is used in industries like petrochemical, cement, and steel.
• 🏭 Mass production involves both machines and humans working together to produce large quantities of identical or similar products, such as cars or appliances.
• 🔧 The difference between mass and continuous production lies in the amount of mechanical work; mass production requires more human involvement.
• 🛑 Intermittent production systems are non-continuous, producing goods in batches or based on customer orders, with flexibility for different product designs and sizes.
• 📦 Batch production manufactures medium-sized batches of similar products, such as drugs and chemicals, with one batch completed before starting the next.
• 🏗️ Job shop production focuses on small volumes of highly varied, non-standardized products, with each product having its own processing path.
• 🌈 In job shop production, different products like bottles of different colors can be produced simultaneously on separate production lines.
• 🚧 Project production involves large, complex, one-time projects like constructing airports, buildings, or drilling oil wells, completed within a specified timeframe.
• 📝 The script provides an overview of continuous production (including process and mass production) and intermittent production (batch, job shop, and project production), emphasizing the differences in product volume, variety, and the role of automation.

Q & A

What is a continuous production system?

A continuous production system, also known as repetitive or continuous manufacturing, involves mass production of high volumes of identical products. It is often automated and runs continuously with little variation in products. Examples include petrochemical, cement, and steel industries.

What is the key difference between continuous production and mass production?

The key difference lies in the degree of automation. In continuous production, most of the work is done by machines with little human involvement, whereas mass production involves both machines and human labor working together in repetitive tasks.

What are some examples of industries that use continuous flow production?

Industries such as oil and gas refineries, petroleum refineries, and chemical processing plants use continuous flow production systems, where production runs 24/7 with minimal variation in products.

What is batch production in intermittent production systems?

Batch production involves manufacturing goods in specific lots or batches. Each batch is completed before starting the next one. This process is often used in industries like pharmaceuticals and chemicals, where medium-sized batches of similar products are produced.

How does job shop production differ from batch production?

In job shop production, small quantities of various products are produced with each product following its own production route. This system is more flexible and is used for producing non-standardized, highly varied items in low volumes, unlike batch production which produces medium quantities of similar products.

What industries commonly use project production systems?

Project production systems are typically used in industries such as construction (airports, dams, roads), shipbuilding, and oil drilling. Each project is unique, complex, and large in scope, with a defined timeline and budget.

What is the main characteristic of process or continuous flow production?

The main characteristic of process or continuous flow production is that production runs 24/7 throughout the year with minimal variation in the product. The process is linear, and the production flow is largely automated.

How is mass production similar to and different from continuous flow production?

Mass production, like continuous flow production, produces high volumes of similar products. However, mass production involves more human labor in addition to machinery, while continuous flow production is mostly automated and runs non-stop.

What defines intermittent production systems?

Intermittent production systems are non-continuous. Manufacturing happens in discrete batches or groups, based on customer orders, and is flexible enough to accommodate changes in design and product variety.

What are some common examples of products made through mass production?

Products like cars, washing machines, and fridges are commonly mass-produced, where semi-skilled workers operate machines to assemble identical products on a production line.