When demand for your product is high, so is the need to make sure your production runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The type of manufacturing production systems you use and how you manage them can make your processes more cost and time efficient, meaning you can get high-quality products to your customers even quicker.
Here we outline the different types of manufacturing production systems and how you can improve your process.
What are manufacturing production systems?
Simply put, a manufacturing production system is all the different technologies and processes that help manufacturers produce goods. The system collates tools, equipment and machines used in the manufacturing process and the different procedures needed to ensure the machines and equipment used are in top working order.
What are the different types of manufacturing production systems?
There are five main types of manufacturing production systems that are used to make goods. The type of production system used often depends on the goods being manufactured, the demand and how long it takes to produce the item.
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The different types of manufacturing production systems are:
Repetitive manufacturing
Just as it says on the tin, repetitive manufacturing involves dedicated production lines that create the same or similar items 24/7. Requiring very little changeover time and set-up, it has the added benefit that the speed of operation can be increased or decreased to meet customer demands.
Discrete manufacturing
Using one assembly line, the benefit of discrete manufacturing is that it can be used to create various products. The downside is it requires frequent changeovers, and the time it takes to complete these depends on the differences between products.
Job shop manufacturing
Job shop manufacturing works differently from other manufacturing systems. It uses production areas to produce or assemble small batches of customised products. Its benefit is the opportunity to create bespoke products, even becoming discrete manufacturing easily if demand allows.
Continuous manufacturing
As you might have guessed, the continuous manufacturing production system runs 24/1. Often used in the mining and food production industries, continuous manufacturing deals with raw materials creating similar items on the assembly line.
Batch process manufacturing
Similar to discrete manufacturing, batch process manufacturing creates a batch of products. However, as it can create larger quantities, depending on demand, this type of manufacturing can fulfil orders in one batch.
How can you improve your manufacturing production system?
By collecting all of the information and equipment details throughout the process in one place, manufacturers can effortlessly oversee production more efficiently. Adopting software that does this can not only save you time and money, but there are countless more advantages to your business.
For example, here at Flowlens, our MRP software helps device, equipment and machinery manufacturers cut admin tasks by 90 per cent and lead times up to 75% by being better organised.
Start managing your production more efficiently with Flowlens
Ready to take the next step in managing your production? With over 15 years of experience in the industry, our friendly experts are proud to offer growing businesses powerful, cost-effective solutions that take their quality management to the next level.
Our production planning software can help take your business to the next level, building stronger customer relationships and improving lead times by up to 75 per cent.
Watch a demo now – or contact our team today to find out how we can help you.
