Methods of production, two major processes should come together in the preparation of a product or service for the market:
- Market research to find out what people want to buy, and how they want it
- Product design and development look at different ways of producing a good or service.
There are several different methods of producing goods and services.
Job production
Involves the production of single, individual items. For example, a boat-builder might get an order to produce a one-off yacht, or a hairdresser may be asked to create a style for one person for a special occasion.
Firms might specialise in producing one-off jobs such as customised motorbikes.
Batch production
Means the production of batches of similar products. For example, a baker might produce batches of jam doughnuts, cream buns, Eccles cakes and so on.
Flow production
Involves passing sub-assemblies/parts from one stage of production to another in a regular flow. Each stage adds to the products. For example, a modern bottling plant used by Coca-Cola or Cadbury Schweppes would use this approach.
Mass production
involves the production of products on a large scale. This sometimes involves flow production, but there may be only one stage in the production process.
Of mass produced products using continuous flow techniques include:
- bottling plant e.g. Coca-Cola
- car manufacturing e.g. Audi
- printing e.g. Polestar
- construction e.g. Portakabin.