Different systems you can use for manufacturing

Manufacturing is defined as the application of tools used for the processing and transformation of raw materials into finished goods.To do this, manufacturing industries employ a variety of different systems.Each manufacturing system has specific needs associated with the production of their goods.Therefore it only makes sense that there is a wide variety of options when it comes to determining how a specific manufacturing operation will be run.Below are some examples of commonly used systems for manufacturing as well as a brief description of each system.

The American System of Manufacturing

The American System of Manufacturing is a good example of manufacturing with a division of labor.This means that manufacturing parts are interchangeable or that manufacturing and subsequent processes such as assembly take place separately.Assembly may also be carried out in an assembly line.This system also typically involves the substitution of hand tools for machinery.The American System is so named because of its history as being developed by the United States Department of War.

Mass production

The mass production system of manufacturing known by several names including, flow production, repetitive flow production, or series production.The mass production system is so named because this type of system describes the production of large quantities of products on production lines.Mass production typically utilizes moving belts, workers highly specialized in completing certain parts and then doing so over and over, and the end result is an inexpensive good.Labor costs are usually lower in a mass production manufacturing system because machinery does a higher proportion of the work than do employees.

Just in Time (JIT) manufacturing

Just in Time manufacturing is a strategy system that aims to improve the organization's return on their investment by reducing the costs of inventory.In other words, a product is manufactured as it is ordered so there are fewer products being allowed to sit and take up resources while they are trying to be sold.Just in Time manufacturing aims to make improvements on the organization's quality and efficiency.A related term often used with the Just in Time system of manufacturing, is Kaizen.Kaizen refers to an approach to the improvement of productivity and is a literal translation that means "continuous improvement."

Lean manufacturing

Lean manufacturing refers to a manufacturing system where waste is reduced or eliminated in order to improve the value of the product for the customer and to reduce the cost of waste for the organization.Other systems of manufacturing (such as the Just in Time manufacturing system) can be implemented as part of the lean manufacturing process. There are many diverse methodologies for the implementation of lean manufacturing.

Prefabrication

Prefabrication is a manufacturing system that involves manufacturing the components of a product in one location and assembling those components in a different location.Prefabricated housing is perhaps the most readily recognizable form of prefabrication manufacturing as many homes are built from pre-fabricated materials.

Flexible manufacturing system (FMS)

Flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is a manufacturing system in which there is flexibility to account for the amount of change that is possible in the system.Flexible manufacturing typically covers both machine flexibility and router flexibility.This means that the organization's machines are able to be changed to produce new product types and that multiple machines can be made to perform the same duties.

Mass customization

Mass customization refers to a manufacturing system where products and services are designed specifically to meet the needs of each individual customer.All customer specific operations are performed within a set, single space.The result is customization without too much change in the price of the market segment.

Total Quality Management (TQM)

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a management manufacturing strategy that's purpose is to increase awareness of quality in all parts of the organization's processes.