What are one-off productions?
One-off productions are items which have only been created once. Either they have been assembled depending on the customers needs (like some large computers, ovens, cars etc) or products have been constructed from basic materials by a craftsperson who specializes in making individual items (most musical instruments are one-off productions that have been made by specialist craftspeople). Usually many different materials will be used but these resources are bought together only once. Often special measures have to be taken when creating one-off items in order to stop the cost from escalating into un-affordable figures.
Continuous Production:
In Continuous Productions products are usually made in a series of steps. Large amounts of goods are expected in Continuous Production and often workers will each be assigned a small part of one item. In Continuous Production one item is made and then re-produced hundreds, sometimes thousands, or even millions of times. A good example of this is Prototype Inventions. The Inventor will have a one off Product made, called a “Prototype”. If the Inventor then secures a deal, and someone “puts in” an order for the Inventors Invention the product will proceed into Continuous Production. The tasks given to workers producing the item can be quickly mastered and sufficiently done. For example the parts produced to be used inside televisions and car engines are often constructed under means of Continuous Production.
What is Mass-Production?
In Mass-Production machines are used to produce Items extremely quickly and for as little outlay and final cost as possible. Despite it being cost effective and a good way to make things in large quantities (bulk), if somebody wishes to change the design it can take a very long time and stop production altogether. Mobile Phones are an extremely good example of Mass-Production. If you buy a Computer, it is made to your specification, and can therefore not be “Mass-Produced”. A Mobile Phone is proof
designed (finally designed) by a design team. This means every one of the designed phones will be the same, and can therefore be “Mass-Produced”.
One-Off Batch Production:
One-Off Batch Production is most commonly used for runs of Packaging for special offers etc. An ideal example of this is Cereal Packaging. Cereal (especially cereal aimed at a younger audience) usually includes a “toy”, or some other gadget/product that would appeal to Kid’s. Because these toys, gadgets or products included in the Cereal packaging change every week, it is in-practical to Mass-Produce the frequently changing Cereal Boxes. A good solution to this is One-Off Mass Production. By only creating a small number of cereal boxes, the Company can easily keep production costs to a minimum, and wastage down. You will often see in Supermarkets last weeks/months packaging still on the shelf. Although this is not down to anything connected to One-Off Batch Production, it is useful for the Cereal Companies to monitor the amount of “Past Stock” (old packaging) that is not being sold. This information then tells them to either make the packaging more appealing to buyers, or produce less of the packaging and product in their next One-Off Batch Production.
I hope this essay has given you a good understanding of Production lines.
GCSE Business Studies – Michael Godfrey
Student Number: 16947
© 2004 Michael Godfrey (Direct E-Marketing LTD)
