Timber: Scales of Production
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 3.7.1
Continuous and Mass Production
Scales of production can be defined as the number of products produced over a period of time. For example continuous production, mass production, batch production, and one off/job production.
Continuous production
- Continuous production can run 24 hours seven days a week.
- These products are either in high demand or thousands of people use them.
- Continuous production with timber is uncommon however the processing of timber and logs is normally continuous.
Costs of continuous production
- Continuous production often means high shipping costs to transport the products worldwide.
- Continuous production has high tooling or machine costs as they perform specific tasks quickly.
- The unit costs for each product is relatively cheap.
Mass production
- Products are produced in their thousands, such as small crates.
- Tooling and machining costs will be fairly high but there will be a degree of flexibility to change dimensions, for instance.
- Shipping costs may depend highly on where the product is made.
- Mass-made products are typically made from softwoods as they are readily available and easier to source than hardwoods.
Batch and One-Off/Job Production
Scales of production can be defined as the number of products produced over a period of time. For example continuous production, mass production, batch production, and one off/job production.
Batch production
- Batch products are produced in smaller quantities.
- Batch production is used for products that have a smaller shelf life or need to be adapted and changed throughout the year.
Batch production cont.
- Batch production will require a moderately skilled worker who has the ability to change and produce the design from wood.
- Batch production is sometimes done when the demand of the product can vary and requires a very organised approach.
Reasons for batch production
- Some small manufacturers will go with batch production to save on warehouse storage costs.
- Some small companies produce products in batch if they are working from their profits which mean they can only produce more when the current products have sold.
One off/job production
- One-off and job production is often creating niche and tailor-made woodworking products.
- These can simply be driftwood furniture or bespoke cabinets that are customised for the end user.
- These products demand a higher price as the labour skill level is so high.
One off/job production cont.
- It is difficult to produce furniture at this level as the price will be above what the average customer could afford.
- Sometimes these carpenters/manufacturers will have a cash injection from an investor that then turns the company into a mass manufacturing company.
Test yourself on Timber: Scales of Production
What kind of production demands a higher price for the products as the labour skill level is so high?