- Production is a crucial aspect of any business operation as it determines the efficiency and effectiveness of the company.
- When deciding on the type of production to implement, businesses must take into consideration various factors to ensure they make the right decision.
Factors affecting the choice of production:
- Demand – The level of demand for a product determines the type of production method that should be used. For instance, high demand products are best produced using flow or continuous production methods, while low demand products are better produced using job or batch production.
- Resources – The availability of resources, including raw materials, labour, and machinery, affects the type of production method used. Capital-intensive production methods require significant investments in machinery and technology, while labour-intensive methods rely on manual labour.
- Technology – The level of technology available influences the type of production method used. Automation technologies are suited for flow and continuous production methods, while manual labour is preferred for job and batch production.
- Cost – Production costs, including labour, materials, and equipment, must be considered when choosing a production method. High volume products with low customization require capital-intensive production methods, while low volume products with high customization are best produced using labour-intensive production methods.
- Quality – The quality of the final product influences the type of production method used. Labour-intensive methods are better suited for products that require high levels of customization and attention to detail, while capital-intensive methods are ideal for producing large volumes of standardized products.
- Flexibility – The flexibility of the production process is also a key factor in choosing a production method. For instance, job and batch production methods are highly flexible and can be easily adapted to changes in customer needs and market trends, while flow and continuous production methods are less flexible and more difficult to change.
- Environment – Environmental factors such as regulations, emissions, and waste disposal requirements can influence the choice of production method. For example, certain industries such as food production require strict adherence to safety and sanitation regulations.
