When might cell production be appropriate?
Potentially any product that requires large-scale, capital intensive production can use cell production techniques. As companies have become more aware of the importance of an engaged workforce, factories have been redesigned to allow employees to work in teams. The decision to use cell production can be either proactive or reactive. Forward-thinking managers may use its ideas before problems occur. Others may be forced to adapt teamworking principles to solve production problems.
When might job production be appropriate?
There are many reasons why a company may choose to use job production. Firstly, customers have specific requirements that cannot be matched using other techniques. In addition, the client base is small and demand is low. It may therefore be uneconomical to use one of the other methods of production, which leaves job production as the only viable alternative. Finally, there is the question of uniqueness. Some customers will seek firms that use job production techniques, so they can buy a product that has been customised to meet their exact needs or style.
When might flow production be appropriate?
When it is used, flow production is likely to be the only viable option. It is used when products are homogeneous (all of the same kind), and demand is vast and predictable. Due to substantial set-up costs, it must be possible for those using flow production to exploit significant economies of scale if average costs are to be reduced. Examples of products that may be produced using flow production include:
When might batch production be appropriate?
If a company is going to adopt a batch production system effectively, it must have a range of similar products to meet different consumers' needs. If this is not the case, then batch production is unlikely to be appropriate. If demand is less predictable, so that a flexible production process is desired, batch production may be used. Finally, batch production may be appropriate if some of the benefits of economies of scale are desirable, but mass production is not feasible.