Learning outcome 1: Understanding production activities.
What is the best way to manufacture something?
This is a massive question that has so many variables that it can be overwhelming... How does a company or an individual decide on what scale or method proceed with making their products? In this section we will be exploring this topic, and we will start by deciding how many items we want to make.
To the right are the examples of the types of production there are.
Case study 1
The iPhone 14 Pro max
Case Study 2:
Train production
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Mass production is a manufacturing process that involves the creation of large quantities of standardized products, typically using assembly lines and specialized machinery.
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Flow production, also known as continuous production, is a manufacturing process where products move continuously through the production process without interruptions.
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Automated production, also known as automated manufacturing or robotic manufacturing, involves the use of advanced robotics and computer-controlled systems to perform various tasks in the production process.
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Batch production is a manufacturing process where products are produced in specific quantities or batches before moving on to the next stage of production.
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One-off production, also known as custom or bespoke manufacturing, involves the creation of a unique product tailored to the specific requirements of an individual customer.
The manufacturing of trains is a colossal undertaking that involves intricate design, precision engineering, and rigorous testing to ensure the utmost safety and reliability of these vital modes of transportation. Countless individuals depend on the seamless operation and steadfast performance of these vehicles for their daily commutes and long-distance travels, emphasizing the paramount importance of uncompromising quality in their production.
What is the process to manufacture these massive vehicles?
Case Study 3:
Car Production
Cars are the most prevalent form of public transportation, with over 165,000 cars being manufactured daily. This high volume of production has led to significant refinements in the manufacturing process. For a more detailed visual explanation of this process, you can view the video on the right, which provides valuable insights.
Case Study 4:
Making Croissants
In some trades, the items you make wont last long so you have to be very mindful of when and where you are going to make your products and how you are going to sell them while they are at there best.
And sometimes you will get an one off order of a reasonably large amount of one product.
In this example of croissants, they are making sets of 21,000 a day, supplying the people New York with one of their favourites breakfast pastry. Once they've been made they don’t stay fresh for long, they tend to be out at the shops within the day they're gone.
With this in mind, the bakers have to be aware of how many they expect to sell and therefore prepare the team, equipment and obtain the ingredients on almost a daily bases.
Case Study 5:
The art of wedding cakes:
The manufacture of wedding cakes involves several steps, from initial consultation with the couple to delivery and setup on the wedding day. The process is long and extensive. For those receiving the cake this is one of the most important days of their lives. The process usually follows these stages.
Consultation and Design Planning.
Cake Design and Sketching.
Ingredient Selection and Preparation.
Cake Assembly and Decoration.
Transportation and Delivery.
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“According to the report, Apple has shipped over 26.5 million units of the iPhone 14 Pro Max (review), making it the highest-selling smartphone of 2023.”
That’s a lot of units! Quick thought experiment. What does the production process look like in your head?
How many people are involved, what does the production line look like? what departments are involved? What name would you give this style of production?