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Constraints on production

Constraints on production
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There are a number of limiting factors that determine the quantity and nature of output that a producer is able to achieve within a given time period. These are the constraints on production. The main external constraint is the extent of the market.

Larger markets offer the opportunity to produce on a large scale and to benefit from the resultant unit cost reductions. Goods in mass markets such as chocolate bars and razors allow scale economies for large-scale producers, thus encouraging companies like Cadbury’s (confectionery), and Gillette and Bic (razors) to supply the market.

Another important external constraint is the ability of a producer to gain access to appropriate resources such as the finance to purchase and run a modern production facility.

Internal constraints include:

  1. The existing scale and capacity of buildings and machinery used in the production process. For example, the ability to meet new orders depends on having appropriate spare capacity.
  2. The availability, skills and training of the labour force. Modern specialist products often require extensive training before the staff are able to produce new goods effectively.
  3. Access to an adequate supply of parts and raw materials. A business that is able to supply appropriate quantities of goods and services to customers ‘just in time’ also needs to have access to supplies and materials ‘just in time’. This is why it is so important for modern companies such as Nissan to build excellent relationships with suppliers.
  4. Time. Careful planning to give sufficient time for the production process to meet customer requirements. Time has to be given priority in planning resource utilization.
  5. Finance. Healthy cash flow is essential if the business is to respond to changing demands and requirements in production activity. Investment funding may be necessary if new plants and facilities are needed.

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