Batch production – Advantages and Disadvantages

What is Batch Production?

Batch production is a method of manufacturing products where an item is produced in batches. This means that it will be manufactured in a set number of items and these items are then delivered to the customers or stores, depending on what type of product it is.

Advantages of Batch Production: 

1. More efficient use of resources.
2. Can be more easily automated.
3. Can produce items of consistent quality.
4. It allows for the production of customized products, and it results in a more consistent product.
5. Easier to achieve economies of scale 
6. Products can be tailored to customer needs 
7. Easier to control the quality.
8. Wastage is less.
9. Batch production can be more efficient because it allows workers to become more skilled at their tasks and makes it easier to schedule work.
10. It can be cheaper to produce products in batches because workers can be used more efficiently and less waste is produced.
11. Products that are made in batches may be of a higher quality because they are not rushed through the manufacturing process.

Disadvantages of Batch Production:

1. Can be less flexible to changes in demand.
2. Prone to quality defects if not properly monitored.
3. Production can be stalled if a machine or process breaks down.
4. It can be more expensive, it can be less flexible, and it can lead to higher levels of waste.
5. can be more difficult to change production lines if there is a change in demand.
6. Takes longer to produce products.
7. requires more storage space.
8. If something goes wrong with one batch, the entire production run may be affected.
9. It can be difficult to change the manufacturing process if a new product is introduced.
10. Batch production may not be suitable for products that require a high degree of customization