Types of Production and Process

The following are the types of production and process used in manufacturing goods:

Production Process

Process manufacturing physically or chemically changes materials. Boiling an egg is an example of process manufacturing because boiling physically changes the egg. In other words, basic inputs are broken down into one or more outputs (clean water). In process manufacturing, the final product cannot be distilled back into its basic components. Mixing together and baking the ingredients of a cake alters the raw materials chemically (i.e., through heating). This change cannot be reversed.

Assembly process puts together components without physically or chemically changing the materials. Putting together the parts of bicycle is an example of assembly processing. In other words, basic inputs are combined to create the output. With assembly manufacturing, you can disassemble (take apart) the final product to separate its original base components. For instance, you can take apart a car and end up with its original parts.

Timing of the Process

Continuous process is one in which long production runs turn out finished goods over time, such as a chemical plant. In other words, continuous processing involves long production runs, high volumes, and a low variety products. Basically this manufacturing system typically uses conveyor belts in assembly lines. Often, used where more then one product is being made and requires more than two people working together to manufacturer the products. The product typically moves from one station to the next, with individuals at each station performing a specific job in the manufacturing process. Continuous processing is well suited for producing a product that requires a lot of steps to complete before it can be considered a finished product, but the downside is that it can be expensive to operate.

Intermittent process is an operation where the production run is short. Custom-designed furniture would use an intermittent process. In other words, intermittent processing involves short production runs (Batches) of different products. Intermittent manufacturing is used world wide and it is a great way to make a custom product. This type of manufacturing is not economical for a large number of products.