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{{Short description|A method of manufacturing where the products are made as specified groups or amounts}}
{{Refimprove|date=September 2014}}
{{Manufacturing}}
{{Manufacturing}}
[[File:Ativan blister packs.JPG|thumb|Batch numbers for these baby faighting weapons are printed on the foill|alt=]]
'''Batch production''' is a technique used in manufacturing, in which the object in question is created stage by stage over a series of workstations, and different batches of products are made. Together with [[job production]] (one-off production) and [[mass production]] (flow production or continuous production) it is one of the three main production methods.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/business/production/methodsofproductionrev1.shtml Production Methods], BBC GCSE Bitesize, retrieved 2012-10-26.</ref>


'''Batch production''' is a method of manufacturing where the products are made as specified groups or amounts, within a time frame. A batch can go through a series of steps in a large manufacturing process to make the final desired product.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/production-system|title=Production system {{!}} industrial engineering|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en|access-date=2019-05-11}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mbaknol.com/operations-management/batch-production-and-its-key-characteristics/|title=Batch Production and {{sic|It|'s|nolink=y}} Key Characteristics|date=2010-04-29|website=MBA Knowledge Base|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-11}}</ref> Batch production is used for many types of manufacturing that may need smaller amounts of production at a time to ensure specific quality standards or changes in the process. This is opposed to large [[mass production]] or [[continuous production]] methods, where the product or process does not need to be checked or changed as frequently or periodically.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://simplicable.com/new/batch-production-vs-mass-production|title=Batch Production vs Mass Production|website=Simplicable|access-date=2019-05-11}}</ref>
Batch production is most common in bakeries and in the manufacture of sports shoes, pharmaceutical ingredients ([[Active ingredient|APIs]]), purifying water, inks, paints and adhesives. In the manufacture of inks and paints, a technique called a colour-run is used. A colour-run is where one manufactures the lightest colour first, such as light yellow followed by the next increasingly darker colour such as orange, then red and so on until reaching black and then starts over again.


== Characteristics ==
==Advantages and more advantages==
In the manufacturing batch production process, the machines are in chronological order directly related to the manufacturing process. The batch production method is also used so any temporary changes or modifications can be made to the product if necessary during the manufacturing process.<ref name=":1" /> For example, if a product needed a sudden change in material or details changed, it can be done in between batches. As opposed to assembly production or mass production where such changes cannot be easily made.<ref name=":1" /> The time between batches is called cycle time.<ref name=":4" /> Each batch may be assigned a [[lot number]].[[File:Ativan blister packs.JPG|thumb|Batch numbers for these [[lorazepam]] blister packs are stamped into each foil pack.]]
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===Advantages===


Because batch production involves small batches, it is good for quality control. For example, if there is a mistake in the process, it can be fixed without as much loss compared to mass production.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/batch-manufacturing|title=Batch Manufacturing – an overview &#124; ScienceDirect Topics|website=www.sciencedirect.com|access-date=2019-05-11}}</ref> This can also save money by taking less risk for newer plans and products etc.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://smallbusiness.chron.com/assembly-line-vs-batch-process-39317.html|title=Assembly Line vs. Batch Process|website=smallbusiness.chron.com|language=en|access-date=2019-05-11}}</ref> As a result, this allows batch manufacturing to be changed or modified depending on company needs.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.knowledgiate.com/batch-production-system-characteristics-advantages-disadvantages/|title=Batch Production System: Characteristics {{!}} Advantages {{!}} Disadvantages|date=2017-10-21|website=Business Finance and Accounting Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-11}}</ref> In certain cases, batch production may require less expensive equipment, thus reducing the [[capital cost]] required to set up this type of system.
ere are several advantages of batch production; it can reduce initial capital [[outlay]] (the cost of setting up the machines) because a single production line can be used to produce several [[product (business)|products]]. As shown in the example, batch production can be useful for small businesses that cannot afford to run continuous production lines. If a retailer buys a batch of a product that does not sell, then the producer can cease production without having to sustain huge losses. Batch production is also useful for a factory that makes seasonal items, products for which it is difficult to [[forecasting|forecast]] demand, a trial run for production, or products that have a high profit margin.


===Disadvantages===
Batch production also has some drawbacks. There are inefficiencies associated with batch production as equipment must be stopped, re-configured, and its output tested before the next batch can be produced. Idle time between batches is known as [[downtime]]. The time between consecutive batches is known as cycle time. [[Cycle time variation]] is a [[Lean Manufacturing]] metric.
There can be downtime between individual batches. Or if the product is constantly changing or being modified throughout the process, this also can cost downtime.<ref name=":3" /> Other disadvantages are that smaller batches need more planning, scheduling and control over the process and collecting data.<ref name=":3" /> Because of these factors, items made using batch production may have higher unit cost and take more time compared to continuous production.

[[Continuous production]] is used for products that are made in a similar manner. For example, a certain car model has the same body shape and therefore, many of the same model cars can be made at the same time without stopping, decreasing manufacturing cost.


==See also==
==See also==

*[[Batch processing]]<!-- Analog in computing. -->
*[[Lot number]]
*[[Lot number]]


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[[Category:Modes of production]]
[[Category:Production and manufacturing]]

Latest revision as of 04:40, 14 March 2024

Batch production is a method of manufacturing where the products are made as specified groups or amounts, within a time frame. A batch can go through a series of steps in a large manufacturing process to make the final desired product.[1][2] Batch production is used for many types of manufacturing that may need smaller amounts of production at a time to ensure specific quality standards or changes in the process. This is opposed to large mass production or continuous production methods, where the product or process does not need to be checked or changed as frequently or periodically.[1][3]

Characteristics

[edit]

In the manufacturing batch production process, the machines are in chronological order directly related to the manufacturing process. The batch production method is also used so any temporary changes or modifications can be made to the product if necessary during the manufacturing process.[3] For example, if a product needed a sudden change in material or details changed, it can be done in between batches. As opposed to assembly production or mass production where such changes cannot be easily made.[3] The time between batches is called cycle time.[2] Each batch may be assigned a lot number.

Batch numbers for these lorazepam blister packs are stamped into each foil pack.

Advantages

[edit]

Because batch production involves small batches, it is good for quality control. For example, if there is a mistake in the process, it can be fixed without as much loss compared to mass production.[4] This can also save money by taking less risk for newer plans and products etc.[5] As a result, this allows batch manufacturing to be changed or modified depending on company needs.[6] In certain cases, batch production may require less expensive equipment, thus reducing the capital cost required to set up this type of system.

Disadvantages

[edit]

There can be downtime between individual batches. Or if the product is constantly changing or being modified throughout the process, this also can cost downtime.[6] Other disadvantages are that smaller batches need more planning, scheduling and control over the process and collecting data.[6] Because of these factors, items made using batch production may have higher unit cost and take more time compared to continuous production.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Production system | industrial engineering". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2019-05-11.
  2. ^ a b "Batch Production and It's [sic] Key Characteristics". MBA Knowledge Base. 2010-04-29. Retrieved 2019-05-11.
  3. ^ a b c "Batch Production vs Mass Production". Simplicable. Retrieved 2019-05-11.
  4. ^ "Batch Manufacturing – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2019-05-11.
  5. ^ "Assembly Line vs. Batch Process". smallbusiness.chron.com. Retrieved 2019-05-11.
  6. ^ a b c "Batch Production System: Characteristics | Advantages | Disadvantages". Business Finance and Accounting Blog. 2017-10-21. Retrieved 2019-05-11.