Intermittent production is a manufacturing process where products are made in batches or small quantities, often in response to specific customer orders. This contrasts with continuous production, which involves a constant flow of products.
Characteristics of Intermittent Production:
- Variety of products: Intermittent production often involves producing a wide range of items, each with unique specifications.
- Lower production volume: Batches are typically smaller than in continuous production, meaning less volume is produced at once.
- Higher customization potential: This approach allows for greater flexibility to meet individual customer needs.
- More complex production processes: Intermittent production often involves more diverse operations and equipment than continuous production.
Examples of Intermittent Production:
- Custom furniture making: Each piece is made to order, with unique dimensions and materials.
- Printing services: Different print jobs require specific setups and paper types, making them ideal for intermittent production.
- Small-batch brewing: Craft breweries produce smaller batches of unique beers, catering to specific tastes.
Advantages of Intermittent Production:
- Flexibility: It allows for quick adjustments to meet changing customer demands.
- Customization: It enables the production of unique and customized products.
- Lower inventory costs: Producing smaller batches reduces the need for large stockpiles of materials and finished goods.
Disadvantages of Intermittent Production:
- Higher production costs: The setup time and complexity of each batch can increase overall production costs.
- Potential for delays: Production can be slower if there are issues with setup or material availability.
- Less efficient use of resources: The intermittent nature of production can lead to idle equipment and workforce during downtime.
Conclusion:
Intermittent production is a valuable approach for businesses that prioritize flexibility, customization, and lower inventory costs. While it can be more complex and potentially slower than continuous production, it offers significant benefits for certain industries and product types.
