He production process Is the set of interrelated actions that, when executed, can transform materials into objects of greater value.
It is a process that operates in a linear and systemic way, where there are elements of entry to the beginning and others of exit at the end of the process. Its purpose is to satisfy the needs of the market (studies, 2017).
Input elements within the production process are referred to as factors. These factors are popularly known as raw materials.
On the other hand, the output elements are known as products, they are intended to be sold to an end consumer.
The process of production implies the transformation of elements through immediate or mediatas actions. Immediate actions are those that are responsible for transforming the material in a way that is suitable for immediate consumption.
The mediatas, transform the material so that it can move to another stage of the production process (Porto & Gardey, 2008).
The tools of transformation of matter include buildings, machinery, computers and people who can execute the productive processes.
On the other hand, the transformed elements are usually raw materials and components that together constitute consumer goods.
Types of production processes
Production processes can be classified according to the type of actions they use to transform factors.
Technical processes
The technical production processes are those that transform the properties of the raw material in a determinant way.
In this way, this type of processes is responsible for transforming the way the material is composed.
Mode processes
Mode production processes are responsible for transforming the way matter is arranged without altering its properties. They are generally shape modifications.
Place processes
The processes of place production are those related to the way objects move in space.
That is, they are the ones that are in charge of dealing with the relocation of the elements.
Time processes
The processes of time production are those in charge of preserving certain elements over time.
Actions of the productive process
The actions of the production process can be of two types, the immediate and the mediatas. These two types of actions are explained below (Murray, 2017).
Immediate action
Immediate actions are those that result in the production of a good or service that can be immediately consumed.
The immediate action production process is designed so that the consumer has access to the final product.
Mediated action
Mediate actions, on the other hand, are those that generate goods or services that must be consumed by another instance within the production process, before being passed on to the final consumer.
The products thrown by the mediated actions require to be transformed again.
Examples of productive processes
There are three representative examples of production processes. Those who are responsible for making products on demand (retail), those that do it by batches (wholesale), and in series (BBC, 2014).
Custom production
The production by order is one that has as objective to manufacture products of unitary form. This process can be carried out by a team or by a single person.
Although it is possible to produce several identical units in parallel in the on-demand production process, the number of these units will always be reduced (Meanings, 2017).
Custom-made products are considered to be unique, since the manufacturing process takes place only once.
Some examples of products thrown by this type of production process are as follows:
- Handicrafts.
- Custom vehicles.
- A garment of a designer.
- A jewel.
- A bridge.
- A building.
- A knitted sweater.
Batch production
The word"batch"refers to a specific group of components that must go through a production process together. When a batch is finished, the production of a new one is started.
Batch production processes complete their activities on one machine before moving on to the other.
This method is considered by many to be intermittent, since the production process takes place in stages in the measure in which different works take place throughout the process.
For example, on Monday machine A produces a component for an engine type. On Tuesday, the same machine produces another type of component of the same engine.
On Wednesday produces a third type of component, and so on. All these parts will be subsequently assembled for the manufacture of an engine.
Some examples of products thrown by this type of process include the following:
- Pastry food or bakery.
- Printing a newspaper.
- Printing a magazine.
- RTA furniture (ready to assembly).
- Clothes.
Serial production
Unlike batch production, serial production occurs continuously. In this way, matter goes through all transformation states without interruptions until the finished product is finished.
The product units pass to the next stage of the chain even before the batch is finished.
In this way, to ensure that the production line can work without inconvenience, the time of each operation must be controlled, to avoid possible pauses or inefficiencies.
This type of production is successful when it is in charge of manufacturing goods that are in continuous demand. Otherwise, there is a risk of saturating the market with finished goods.
On the other hand, in order to make this type of process work, it is necessary to have an exhaustive planning that ensures that the raw materials are delivered just in time.
It is also important to have the necessary manpower and technology to be able to modify the materials.
Some examples of products that are derived from the series production are the following:
- Mass consumption foods such as snacks.
- Drinks and bottled soft drinks.
- Automobiles and vehicles.
- Personal hygiene products.
- Toiletries for the home.
- Pet food.
- All goods that are of mass consumption.
References
- (2014). Business Studies . Obtained from Production methods: bbc.co.uk
- Murray, M. (February 3, 2017). The Balance . Obtained from Manufacturing Process: thebalance.com
- Porto, J.P., & Gardey, A. (2008). Definition of . Obtained from PRODUCTION PROCESS: definicion.de
- (2017). Meaning . Meaning of Production Process: Meanings.com
- Studies, B. c. (2017). Operations theory . Retrieved from Production process: businesscasestudies.co.uk.