Manufacturing+Systems

You should understand how the following manufacturing systems operate as they are often part of an exam question. Titles link to websites with further information. =Cell Production=
 * Teams (or cells) work on different sections of a product that are eventually combined to make the product.
 * All teams are situated close together
 * Workers are quite skilled in a variety of processes.
 * Product changes are easy to do.

=In-line Assembly= Products that have many components are produced on a continuous assembly line. In-line assembly lines are fully automated to ensure that they are quick, efficient and produce quality products.

='Just in time'= A type of production that requires all materials and components to arrive at the manufacturers 'just in time' so that they can be used straight away. However if the materials are not delivered ontime then the production has to be stopped and money is lost. Advantages of this system if it runs smoothly are: = = = = =Off the Peg Manufacture= 'Off the Peg' garments are made to fit standard average sizes, not a particular individual. One standard size template is used for a production run and no fitting is needed. This allows a batch of products to be made at one time and most production methods will use this method to produce garments. = = =[|Logistics]= This is the organisaton of the transportation of materials and components into a factory and finished products out again. Efficient delivery of materials and components can increase the speed of production thus reducing costs to the manufacturer.
 * Costs are low due to not having to store the materials and components.
 * Production is fast.
 * Materials and components are usually fault free
 * It is easier to maintain the quality of the product as materials are not damaged in storage.

Link to industrial product manufacturing page.