Decisions on scale of production are influenced by the volume or quantities required, types of materials used to make the products and the type of product being manufactured. There are also considerations of staffing, resources and finance.

• One-off, batch production and continuous flow

• Mass customization

• Selecting an appropriate scale of production

• Advantages and disadvantages of different scales of production

The growing phenomenon of mass customization brings consumers into the design process, allowing them to make choices that make a product unique, to make it their own. Companies have developed “design stations” in their retail stores where consumers can create virtual 3D models, “try them out” using digital technology and place their order.