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The right manufacturing system can save your business time and money. But with so many different types of systems out there, how do you know which one is right for your business?
There are broadly three types of manufacturing systems: batch, flow or continuous, and hybrid, and the one that is right for your business will depend on a number of factors.
Here’s a rundown of the most popular types of manufacturing systems to help you make the best decision for your company.
Batch Manufacturing
Batch manufacturing is best suited for mid-sized production runs of products that produce a wide variety of products that are relatively similar in design but in small quantities.
This type of system is very flexible, allowing businesses to easily change products and adapt to customer demands.
The main advantage of batch manufacturing is that it is flexible and can accommodate changes. The main drawback of batch manufacturing is that it can be quite inefficient, as there is often a lot of idle time between production runs.
Continuous or Flow Manufacturing
Continuous production is characterized by a continuous flow of products being produced at regular intervals. This type of production is often used for products that have a high demand and require a consistent supply.
Continuous or Flow manufacturing is ideal for the large-scale production of highly standardized products like drug companies.
The main advantage of flow manufacturing is that it is efficient and scalable. The main disadvantage of flow manufacturing is that it is inflexible and cannot accommodate changes.
Mass Production
Mass production is characterized by large runs of products being produced at regular intervals. This type of production is often used for products that have a high demand and can be mass produced with little customization.
While mass production is the most common and efficient type of manufacturing system, it may not be right for your business. If you have a small business or produce products that are not easily standardized, you may be better off with a different type of manufacturing system.
Job Manufacturing
Job shop manufacturing is typically used for small production runs of custom or made-to-order products. The main advantage of this system is its flexibility, as it can easily accommodate changes in product design or customer specifications. Companies like BPI labs make it easy for businesses to launch a product successfully.
The biggest downside of job shop manufacturing is its low efficiency, as each product is typically made one at a time with little to no standardization.
Hybrid Types of Manufacturing
If you produce both custom and mass-produced products, a hybrid manufacturing system may be the best solution. A hybrid system combines the best features of job and mass manufacturing, giving you the flexibility to produce both kinds of products efficiently.
The main advantage of hybrid manufacturing is that it is both efficient and flexible. The main disadvantage of hybrid manufacturing is that it is complex and costly.
Feeling Like a Manufacturing System Pro?
So, which one of the different types of manufacturing systems is right for your business? It depends on your specific needs and requirements.
Ultimately, it is important to consider all of the different options and choose the manufacturing system that will best help your business reach its goals.
Interested in learning more about manufacturing? Then make sure to check out our other blog posts on this topic today.
