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.
- Handmade watches – Crafted with precision by artisans.
- Custom leather shoes – Tailored to fit individual customers.
- Fine pottery & ceramics – Unique, hand-painted designs.
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.
- 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.
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.
- Self-operating robotic arms – Used in car manufacturing.
- Automated chocolate wrapping machines – Used in food production.
- 3D printing factories – Printing products layer by layer.
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.
