Serial production – what is it and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

2014-09-30
Serial production – what is it and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Europa Systems not only specialises is supplying state-of-the-art internal handling systems to clients who wish to improve their production line or streamline the operations in warehouses. We are also experienced advisors when it comes to modernisation of the existing handling systems. We add new functions, extend and improve installations of our clients with due care to detail and innovation, and first of all – practicality.

In production plants focused on serial production, advanced solutions are used ? specialised machines, production lines, as well as software, to achieve the optimum effect in the form of higher work efficiency while at the same time significantly reducing the costs of operations without affecting the product quality. An issue of major importance in serial production is optimum planning of the whole process, which translates into better results.

What is serial production?

Serial production is organised with a view to the quantity – it is used to manufacture large quantities of goods in a situation when they have to be produced in the same way. Serial production differs from unit production with the number of products, and from mass production – absence of continuity of operations. In other words, in serial production, goods are manufactured in batches, with stoppages. In serial production, similarly as in other production types, processes follow one another in a sequence, and their aim is to arrive at the ready-made product. Production processes can be modified or stopped, and as a rule, one machine may be used to produce various goods. Short-distance transport systems are also used, such as Europa Systems conveyors or other.

Where is serial production used?

Serial production is broadly used in various work establishments. The pharmaceutical industry may serve as an example here, or food industry, or clothing or shoes industry. In the case of each of them, specific goods are manufactured to order from raw materials, which means that the quantity of necessary products may be determined and a specific quantity of raw materials prepared. After a specific batch, product series, has been completed, devices used in production may be stopped. Therefore, serial production is also cost-effective, as it enables using work time and raw materials up to the most to create necessary products. Serial production is profitable mainly in smaller production companies where continuous – or mass – production, is not viable. If there is no demand for products, production lines can be simply switched off. Serial production is also used in manufacturing seasonal products.

Advantages and disadvantages of serial production

Serial production, just as other production types, has advantages and disadvantages. To achieve the best productivity in a plant, it is necessary to adjust the production type to the needs.

Advantages of serial production:
  • lower costs of production per one product,
  • possibility of manufacturing various products with the use of the same machines,
  • speed of production processes carried out using specialised machines,
  • possibility of stopping production without significant costs.
Disadvantages of serial production:
  • time losses between consecutive batches,
  • raw materials used for production must be constantly controlled,
  • there may be a need to change the configuration of machines, which also results in time losses.
Show more entries from September  2014
This page uses cookie files to provide its services in accordance to Cookies Usage Policy. You can determine conditions of storing or access to cookie files in your web browser.
Close
pixel