Types of Production Systems
- Each production system has its own components, advantages, and challenges.
- Understanding these factors helps designers and manufacturers optimize cost, efficiency, and quality.
1. Craft Production (Handmade, Skilled Labor)
- What It Is:
- Small-scale production based on manual skills and craftsmanship.
- Often used for custom furniture, pottery, jewelry, and luxury items.
- Common in pre-industrial societies, now associated with high-end, unique goods.
- Advantages:
- Highly customizable to client needs.
- Products have higher perceived value.
- Disadvantages:
- Slow production speed, not scalable.
- Higher costs due to skilled labor.
- Environmental Impact:
- Uses high-quality materials in lower quantities, reducing waste.
- Workforce Impact:
- Requires long training and expertise.
- Craftspeople manage everything, from production to marketing.
Example
- Handmade watches – Crafted with precision by artisans.
- Custom leather shoes – Tailored to fit individual customers.
- Fine pottery & ceramics – Unique, hand-painted designs.
Analogy
Analogy: Like a custom oil painting—each piece is one-of-a-kind, requiring expertise and time.
2. Mechanized Production (Machines Controlled by Humans)
- What It Is:
- Machines assist workers in production, increasing efficiency.
- Common in automobiles, furniture, and electronics.
- Advantages:
- Increased productivity and consistency.
- Reduces human error, improving quality.
- Disadvantages:
- Training costs for workers using machinery.
- Less customization, reducing consumer choice.
- Environmental Impact:
- Increased energy use and pollution from machines.
- Workforce Impact:
- Workers need higher training.
- Repetitive tasks reduce job satisfaction.
Example
- Conveyor belt sorting systems – Helps factories move products efficiently.
- Textile factories – Use sewing machines operated by workers.
- Crane-assisted construction – Lifting heavy materials in building sites.
Analogy
Like an electric mixer in baking—it speeds up the process but still needs a human to operate it.
3. Automated Production (Computer-Controlled Machines)
- What It Is:
- Machines are controlled by computers, not humans.
- Uses CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing).
- Advantages:
- 24/7 production increases efficiency.
- Higher precision, reducing errors.
- Disadvantages:
- High investment costs for machines.
- Only profitable at large production scales.
- Environmental Impact:
- Less waste due to precision manufacturing.
- Workforce Impact:
- Lower labor costs but requires highly skilled workers.
- Improved safety, as fewer humans operate machines.
Example
- Self-operating robotic arms – Used in car manufacturing.
- Automated chocolate wrapping machines – Used in food production.
- 3D printing factories – Printing products layer by layer.
Analogy
Like a robotic vacuum—it works on its own but needs programming to function.
4. Assembly Line Production (Step-by-Step Manufacturing)
- What It Is:
- Products move along a conveyor belt, with workers or robots adding parts step by step.
- Used for mass production of cars, electronics, and appliances.
- Advantages:
- High efficiency and low production costs.
- Economies of scale make products more affordable.
- Disadvantages:
- No room for customization.
- Relies on timely part delivery—delays can shut down production.
- Environmental Impact:
- Higher pollution levels due to high production rates.
- Workforce Impact:
- Repetitive tasks increase injury risks.
- Lower job satisfaction.
Example
- Tesla's automated car assembly – Combines robotics and human labor.
- Smartphone assembly lines – Adding components as the device moves along.
- Pre-packaged meals – Food assembled at different stages.
Analogy
Like building a sandwich at Subway—each worker adds a specific ingredient before passing it along.
5. Mass Production (Large-Scale Standardized Production)
- What It Is:
- Producing thousands or millions of identical products.
- Highly mechanized, used in global manufacturing.
- Advantages:
- Low cost per unit.
- Highly efficient.
- Disadvantages:
- No customization options.
- High energy consumption.
- Environmental Impact:
- Increased waste and pollution.
- Workforce Impact:
- Fewer workers needed, but job opportunities shift to machine maintenance.
Example
- Toothpaste production – Millions of tubes produced daily.
- Plastic water bottles – Mass-manufactured for global distribution.
- Laptop keyboards – Produced in large quantities for worldwide use.
Analogy
Like printing thousands of copies of a book—every one is identical and made at high speed.
6. Mass Customization (Personalized Mass Production)
- What It Is:
- Mixes mass production with consumer customization.
- Uses CNC (Computer Numerical Control) and AI-driven manufacturing.
- Advantages:
- Personalized without high costs.
- Shorter product development cycles.
- Disadvantages:
- Short product life cycle—trends change quickly.
- Requires advanced logistics to handle custom orders.
- Environmental Impact:
- Less waste since items are made to order.
- Workforce Impact:
- Workers need tech training to handle digital manufacturing.
Example
- Custom gaming controllers – Buyers choose color, buttons, and grip.
- Nike By You shoes – Customers pick shoe materials and colors.
- Made-to-order cars – Customers select features like leather seats or sound systems.
Analogy
Like ordering a custom Starbucks drink—same base product but tailored to individual preferences.
7. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) (Precision Machining)
- What It Is:
- Machines use G-code to cut, shape, and drill materials.
- Works with metals, plastics, and composites.
- Advantages:
- High precision and efficiency.
- Customizable to specific needs and materials.
- Disadvantages:
- Expensive equipment and training.
- Energy-intensive.
- Environmental Impact:
- Less material waste due to optimized cutting.
- Workforce Impact:
- Higher skills required to operate CNC machines.
Example
- CNC milling machines – Used for precision metal parts.
- Laser cutting – Used in architectural models and jewelry.
- 3D printers – Create custom objects from digital designs.
Analogy
Like a 3D printer for metal and wood—controlled by a computer for precise shaping.
Note
Final Takeaways
- Craft Production = Handmade, luxury, slow.
- Mechanized Production = Machines assist workers.
- Automated Production = Fully computer-controlled.
- Assembly Line = Step-by-step mass production.
- Mass Production = Large-scale, cheap, no customization.
- Mass Customization = Personalized, efficient.
- CNC = Precision cutting with computer control.
