Production Methods
How a business makes its products shapes its costs and quality. Learn the two methods of production, job and flow, when each one suits a business, and how lean production and just in time keep a business efficient.
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How is it made? 🏭
A business has to decide HOW to make its products, and the choice affects its costs, quality and speed. This module covers the two methods of production, job and flow, and two ways to work more efficiently, lean production and just in time.
Words to know 🔑
Four terms run through this topic. Learn them first.
Job or flow? ⚖️
The two methods suit very different kinds of product.
Match the term 🔗
- Job production
- Flow production
- Lean production
- Just in time
- Making a single, one-off item to order
- Making many identical items on a line
- Cutting out all kinds of waste
- Stock arrives exactly as it is needed
Which method? 🎯
A tailor makes a one-off suit to the exact measurements of a single customer. Which method of production is this?
- Job production
- Flow production
- Lean production
- Just in time
Justify, do not just describe 💡
In the exam you gain the most marks by JUSTIFYING which method suits the particular business, using its product and its scale. A one-off, high-value product points to job production. A high-volume, standard product points to flow production. Do not simply describe both methods.
Match the example 🔀
- Job production
- Flow production
- Lean production
- Just in time
- A one-off wedding cake made to order
- Thousands of identical drinks bottled on a line
- A workshop that removes every source of waste
- Car parts delivered exactly when they are needed
Flow production features ✅
Which TWO of these are features of flow production? Choose all that apply.
- A low cost per unit
- A high volume of identical items
- One-off, bespoke items
- Highly flexible for custom orders
How just in time works 🪜
An interactive activity.
Complete the sentences 🧩
Making a single, one-off item to order is _____ production. Making many identical items on a continuous line is _____ production. Cutting out all kinds of waste is _____ production. When stock arrives exactly as it is needed, this is _____ in time. Job production usually has a _____ cost per unit than flow production.
Spot job production 🖍️
An interactive activity.
Which method? 🔍
A factory makes thousands of identical tins of beans every day. Which method of production is this?
- Flow production
- Job production
- Lean production
- Just in time
Recommend a method 🧭
An interactive activity.
Recommend and justify ✍️
An interactive activity.