Bifalgorithm post · IntroductionToBusiness OP 8D04gAa · 2026-10-07-36573 · 10.2. The Production Process: How Do We Make It?*
How does production timing affect the choice of process?
How does production timing affect the choice of process? (IntroductionToBusiness OP 8D04gAa · 2026-10-07-36573 · 10.2. The Production Process: How Do We Make I…
Ideas in this flowchart
- Timing is a second consideration in choosing a production process.
- Timing distinguishes between continuous and intermittent processes.
- A continuous process uses long production runs lasting days, weeks, or months without equipment shutdowns.
- It is best for high-volume, low-variety products with standardized parts.
- Examples include nails, glass, and paper.
- Some services, such as a local electric company, also use continuous processes.
- Continuous processes have low per-unit costs and are easy to schedule.
- An intermittent process uses short production runs to make batches of different products.
- It is best for low-volume, high-variety products made through mass customization or customization.
- Machines are shut down and changed over to make different products at different times.
- Job shops are examples of firms using intermittent processes.
- Most service firms rely on intermittent processes because they customize services for each customer.
- Examples include gourmet restaurants, physicians performing surgery, and advertising agencies developing client campaigns.
- Service production runs may be very short, such as one grilled salmon or one physical exam at a time.
