What are Manufacturing Processes?
Manufacturing processes refer to the ways a business or organization creates products. Involved in these processes are various manufacturing methods, machinery, tools, and different kinds of operations software for scheduling and production control, among others.
Depending on the type of products being manufactured, the methods involved in the entire manufacturing process may be considered simple or complex and require varying levels of supervision, automation, and control. The needed resources and manpower can also differ to meet the unique needs of traditional manufacturing processes or even advanced manufacturing processes. Moreover, computers, robots, and cloud-based technology are responsible for the automation of the stages involved in the overall manufacturing system, helping make it streamlined and efficient in the long run. In the bigger picture, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) cover every aspect of common manufacturing processes to combat risks and promote quality and workplace safety.
Create your own Quality Control checklist
2. Repetitive Manufacturing
Typically used by mass production industries such as electronics and automotive to name a few, this type of manufacturing refers to the creation of the same or similar products on an assembly line.
Companies that use this type maintain high consideration for constant consumer demand for the products they manufacture. Since there is such stability, repetitive manufacturing is known for its ability to improve the overall speed and efficiency of manufacturing processes.
Furthermore, this is best for companies that have a committed production rate, with production and assembly lines functioning almost 24/7 throughout the year. Its also crucial to note that, when compared to job shop manufacturing, this type tends to cater to a high volume of products and utilizes automation to increase efficiency and decrease costs simultaneously.
3. Discrete Manufacturing
Being closely related to repetitive manufacturing, discrete manufacturing also utilizes assembly or production lines. However, the latter is more complex as its designed to adapt to frequent modifications over time.
To cater to the ever-changing customer demands and technological advancements, configurations on the assembly or production lines must be done on a regular basis. Manufacturers of clothing, toys, and medical devices are some examples that require this type, as they need to add or eliminate certain components or methods being applied to their current products to account for necessary innovations brought on by trends and demands. Discrete manufacturing is also closely tied to the concept of One Piece Flow, which is used in lean manufacturing processes.
Designing and regularly updating a business resumption plan is critical for companies in discrete manufacturing, as changes in production can quickly render a business unable to operate.
4. Batch Process Manufacturing
Manufacturing one batch can be considered enough to meet consumer demand, as opposed to constantly manufacturing the same or similar products since this may likely result in overproduction. After one batch production, manufacturing equipment and tools are then cleaned and prepared for the next batch.
In summary, batch process manufacturing is closely related to how discrete (meeting consumer demand) and job shop (availability of raw materials and custom products) manufacturing processes work. Moreover, this type of manufacturing process is commonly used in food production and pharmaceuticals, to name a few.
5. Continuous Process Manufacturing
Generally, this is similar to repetitive manufacturing in the sense that it runs 24/7 too. The kind of raw materials used in continuous process manufacturing is what makes it different. Gases, liquids, powders, and granule materials (mining) are the most common ones. Hence, some examples of where this process is best applied are oil refining and fertilizer production.
6. 3D Printing
Being widely recognized as the sixth type of manufacturing process due to its uses and the great potential it brings across industries, 3D printing is being utilized by many organizations using different composites and materials such as plastic and metals. These are then used to build products, often three-dimensional, based on digital models and by means of a layer-by-layer method. In todays market, 3D printing is evident in products including medical devices, firearms, and lifestyle items such as shoes and cosmetics.
Patricia Guevara
