As a business grows in size and produces more units of output, then it will aim to experience falling average costs of production—economies of scale. The business is becoming more efficient in its use of inputs to produce a given level of output. Designers should incorporate internal and external economies of scale when considering different production methods and systems for manufacture.

• Craft production

• Mechanized production

• Automated production

• Assembly line production

• Mass production

• Mass customization

• Computer numerical control (CNC)

• Production system selection criteria

• Design for manufacture (DfM): design for materials, design for process, design for assembly, design for disassembly

• Adapting designs for DfM

• Advantages and disadvantages of different production systems

• Impact of different production systems on the workforce and environment

• Production system selection criteria include time, labour, skills and training, health and safety, cost, type of product, maintenance, impact on the environment and quality management

• Design contexts where different production systems are used

The design of a production system requires a complete understanding of a product, its function and the quality of finish. Each system can be unique and specific to the product it is creating, often requiring the designers to adapt their design to be manufactured using certain methods.