Business Revision Guide: 4.1

• Job production: is the production where products are made individually
• Batch production: one type of product is made then production is switched
• Flow production: is a product that's continuously made
• Automation: production process using machinery - not controlled by a person but a computer
• Robotics: use of robots
• Advantages of technology: costs are reduced, machines can be more accurate, can work 24/7, production can be flexible
• Disadvantages of technology: workers may be redundant, new skilled workers need recruiting, training = expensive, machines can break
• Job production advantages:

  • high quality products
  • can be made to meet the needs of customers
• Job production disadvantages:

  • costs of production will be high
  • labour costs may be high
• Batch production advantages:

  • meet specific orders
  • $ can be reduced by using some specialist machinery
• Batch production disadvantages:

  • takes time to switch production
  • repetitive and boring
• Flow production advantages:

  • large amounts can be made
  • unit costs are lower
  • products are made with more accuracy
• Flow production disadvantages:

  • very expensive to set up a production line
  • if the production line stops it could be costly
  • jobs can be repetitive and boring