A Comprehensive Guide to the Top 5 Types of Manufacturing Processes

Manufacturing is the process by which a product is created from its parts. That product could be used independently or as part of another product. Production in a manufacturing process begins with the design phase and is continuous via the employment of either human expertise or automated machinery. Several procedures have been created to meet the diverse needs of sectors that depend on efficient manufacturing. There are five main types of these, which are listed below. If you need to find out which type of manufacturing process is best for you and you want some guidance, then you can contact a manufacturing consulting company like Group50 Consulting, as their experts will help you with everything related to manufacturing.

5 Types of Manufacturing Processes

1. Repetitive Manufacturing: When producing an item more than once at a predetermined rate, repetitive manufacturing is the way to go. In this manufacturing process, various production lines work on identical products or components every day of the year. You can adjust production rates in response to fluctuating client demand or specifications with relative ease due to the minimal amount of setup and changeover required.
2. Discrete Manufacturing: Manufacturing that does not involve repetition is known as discrete manufacturing. It is also conducted on assembly lines; however, the final products produced can differ greatly. Changing the configuration of the assembly line is typically necessary when moving between different product models. This requires time, labor, and resources to put up, and it’s called a changeover in manufacturing plants.
3. Continuous Manufacturing: Like repeated manufacturing, continuous manufacturing involves the continual movement of materials through the production line. The key distinction here is that, in most cases, raw materials used in continuous production are those that go through a chemical reaction or transformation. In other words, it’s an ongoing process.
4. Job Shop Manufacturing: Job shop manufacturing is an even more specialized method of producing items. This method is commonly employed when a corporation needs to process a batch of merchandise that deviates from its usual routine. Converting current equipment to a more usable structure is one of the distinctive set-up and process phases that a corporation often has to do for this specialized, customized offering.
5. Batch Manufacturing: Manufacturing in batches is more akin to discrete or job-shop processes than continuous process manufacturing, which is very different. There will be more than enough batches made to meet the demands of a single consumer. Before each new batch, the machinery will be wiped out and left alone. Because they are also gases, liquids, powders, and slurries, the raw materials utilized are more typical of continuous process manufacturing.

Bottom Line

The product you want to make and the industry you work in will determine the manufacturing process you use. If you need to make a variety of items, a hybrid manufacturing method that mixes different methods can be helpful. To know what kind of process is best for your business, you can contact a manufacturing consulting company like Group50 Consulting. Work cell optimization, material flow improvement, automation and robotics opportunity definition, visual management tool implementation, factory redesign, manufacturing footprint restructuring, consolidation program design and implementation, and a host of other needs are all within their purview.

Group50.com is a top US based Global management consulting firm that helps businesses develop performance. Our Strategy Execution Consulting Services and Business Process Management Services quickly automate business growths & profitability.