Operations management principles and practices

Manufacturing Process Types

Project processes produce high variety and low volume products and are used to make one-off products to a customer specification using a stationary product location (Greasley). Examples include building construction, movie file production, and custom-built furniture. The jobbing process produces high variety and low volume products but moves the products to a location of transforming resources using skilled labor and general purpose equipment. Examples include bespoke tailors and precision engineers. Batch processes produce medium variety and volume products, cover relatively wide volume and variety combinations, and are grouped into batches, which increases equipment utilization. Examples include vehicle component assembly, component assembly, clothing manufacturing, bakeries, books, and magazines. Line processes produce high variety and low volume products that are essentially the same as well as cost effective using specialized labor and equipment. Examples include vehicle manufacturing and assembly of consumer durables, such as televisions and computers. Continuous processes operate continually t produce a very high volume standard product that is usually continuous flow, such as oil and gas.

2. The professional process is characterized by high levels of customization tailored to meet individual customer needs. It requires communication with the customer and is geared around problem solving and expertise. Examples include management consultancy, doctors, and health and safety inspectors. The service shop operates with a certain amount of customization with a mix of staff and equipment. It includes banks, shops, restaurants, and travel agencies. Mass service processes operate with little customization and limited customer contact with an emphasis on the tangible item associated with the services. Examples include supermarkets, rail services, and airports.