Overview
A job shop is a type of manufacturing system where products are made to order. This means that each job is unique and the production process is tailored to the specific requirements of each customer. Unlike mass production systems where products are made for inventory based on anticipated demand, job shops produce goods only when an order is received.
Examples
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Machine Shops: These job shops produce parts and components based on engineering drawings and specifications provided by their clients. Each job could require custom tooling, specific materials, and unique production processes.
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Custom Furniture Makers: These businesses design and create unique pieces of furniture as per individual customer orders. The design, dimensions, materials, and finishes are selected by the customer, making each piece distinctive.
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Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturers: These companies produce PCBs based on the custom designs and requirements provided by customers, often used in electronics and specialized equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What industries commonly use job shop manufacturing?
A1: Industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, custom furniture, and small-scale engineering use job shop manufacturing to meet specific client needs.
Q2: How does a job shop differ from a traditional manufacturing plant?
A2: Traditional manufacturing plants often use mass production techniques to produce identical items in large quantities. In contrast, job shops focus on small batches of customized orders.
Q3: What are the advantages of job shop manufacturing?
A3: Job shops offer flexibility in production, can handle diverse and complex orders, and provide high customization. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction due to the tailored products.
Q4: What are the challenges faced by job shops?
A4: Challenges include higher production costs, longer lead times, more complex scheduling, and variability in workload.
Q5: Can job shops benefit from automation?
A5: Yes, while job shops rely heavily on skilled labor, automation can help in areas such as repetitive tasks, precision machining, and workflow management to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
- Batch Production: A manufacturing technique where components or goods are produced in groups (batches) rather than in a continuous stream.
- Just-In-Time (JIT) Manufacturing: A production strategy that strives to improve a business’s return on investment by reducing in-process inventory and associated carrying costs.
- Custom Manufacturing: Production of goods based on customer specifications rather than for stock inventory.
Online References
Suggested Books
- “Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals” by Rob Thompson
- “Job Shop Lean” by Shahrukh A. Irani
- “The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox
Fundamentals of Job Shop: Business Management Basics Quiz
### What differentiates a job shop from a traditional manufacturing plant?
- [x] Job shops produce customized products based on individual orders.
- [ ] Job shops produce products in large quantities for inventory.
- [ ] Job shops focus on continuous production of standard items.
- [ ] Job shops always operate without any machinery.
> **Explanation:** Job shops are distinct from traditional manufacturing plants because they focus on producing customized items based on individual customer orders, rather than manufacturing large quantities for inventory.
### Which of the following industries commonly use job shop manufacturing?
- [ ] Fast Food Chains
- [x] Aerospace
- [ ] Agriculture
- [ ] Retail Clothing
> **Explanation:** The aerospace industry commonly uses job shop manufacturing due to the need for highly customized and specific parts and components.
### What is a potential disadvantage of job shop manufacturing?
- [x] Higher production costs and longer lead times.
- [ ] Lower quality of products.
- [ ] Reduced customer satisfaction.
- [ ] Inflexibility in handling diverse orders.
> **Explanation:** Job shops often face higher production costs and longer lead times due to the customization and complexity involved, which can be a potential disadvantage.
### How can job shops benefit from automation?
- [ ] Automation is not beneficial for job shops.
- [x] By improving efficiency and reducing errors in repetitive tasks.
- [ ] By eliminating the need for skilled labor altogether.
- [ ] By producing large quantities of identical products.
> **Explanation:** Automation can help job shops by improving efficiency and reducing errors in repetitive tasks, even though the jobs themselves are customized.
### What is the primary focus of job shop manufacturing?
- [x] Customization to individual orders.
- [ ] Mass production for inventory.
- [ ] Continuous production of standard items.
- [ ] Entirely eliminating manual labor.
> **Explanation:** The primary focus of job shop manufacturing is customization, producing products tailored to the unique requirements of each individual order.
### Which term is related to producing goods based on customer specifications?
- [x] Custom Manufacturing
- [ ] Mass Production
- [ ] Batch Production
- [ ] Just-In-Time Manufacturing
> **Explanation:** Custom Manufacturing refers to the production of goods based on customer specifications, which aligns closely with the practices of job shops.
### How does batch production differ from job shop production?
- [ ] Batch production only produces one item at a time.
- [x] Batch production produces goods in groups, not customized individually.
- [ ] Batch production is exclusively for perishable goods.
- [ ] Batch production cannot be automated.
> **Explanation:** Batch production involves manufacturing goods in groups or batches, which is different from the individualized customization seen in job shops.
### In what type of manufacturing is the Just-In-Time (JIT) strategy most applicable?
- [ ] Job Shop Manufacturing
- [ ] Custom Manufacturing
- [x] Mass Production
- [ ] All types of manufacturing
> **Explanation:** Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing is most applicable to mass production systems, where the goal is to reduce in-process inventory and associated carrying costs.
### What key aspect allows job shops to handle complex orders effectively?
- [ ] Large-scale automated machinery
- [ ] High-volume production lines
- [x] Flexibility and skilled labor
- [ ] Reducing variability in workload
> **Explanation:** The flexibility and skilled labor in job shops allow them to effectively handle and produce complex, customized orders.
### What aspect often leads to longer lead times in job shop manufacturing?
- [ ] Operating without machinery
- [ ] High demand for identical products
- [x] Customization and complexity of individual orders
- [ ] Standardized production processes
> **Explanation:** The customization and complexity inherent in job shop manufacturing often lead to longer lead times, as each order is unique and requires tailored attention.
Thank you for exploring the nuances of job shop manufacturing with our detailed explanation and quiz. Keep enhancing your business management knowledge!
