Question

Why are assembly-line processes usually so much more efficient but less flexible than batch processes? Give three reasons.

Answer 1

Assembly line processes is an automated process that works to produce with the help of workstations as part are moved and added at each step.

Batch processes makes batches and then put these through productions at different steps. It is less automated than assembly line processes.

Reasons :

1. Level of skill : batch processes require higher skilled workers which makes the work more dependent on humans and thus less efficiency ,but it also means that flexibility is more since it not an automated process like in assembly line.

2. Equipment : equipment used in assembly line are specialized I.e. designed to do a special job. Since the work has to be done through these equipment ,it makes it less flexible.

3. Level of automation : assembly-line are automated processes which means they have a set process to go through and leaves no room for changes in the processes ,thus lacking flexibility.

4. Types of products: usually assembly lines are used to create standardized products because it is limited in that regard,while batch processes can process customized products.