3 Principles of Manufacturing

Classic Manufacturing Principles

Specialization of Labor

Standardization

Mechanization

Moving Assembly Line

Modern Manufacturing Principles

Automation

Push Manufacturing

Pull Manufacturing

Total Quality Management

Efficiency

Inspection

Pilot Run

Kaizen -

Lean manufacturing -

6 Sigma -

Types of Manufacturing Systems

Custom - Oldest form of manufacturing - one person make something, start to finish. Each product can be custom/unique. Limited by the skills of one craft-person.

Intermittent (Batch) - The start of mass production. Each step is done in bulk (like mixing up a big batch of pancake batter, or cutting parts for 20 products at once). Can be done by one person or by different people who specialize in that process.

Continuous - Exemplified by assembly lines in factories. Many people working together to make many copies of the same product. Each worker trained in their specific job. Workers move from product to product or materials are moved from worker station to station (moving assembly line). Works well when you have a consistent need for a standard product.

Flexible (Automated) - use of reprogrammable machines that might even be able to switch out tools to perform multiple task. Products are mass produced without "retooling" but each product made can be customized to each specific customer.