Get to know the Continuous Manufacturing system, one of the most used in the world

There are several different classifications of production systems around the world. Usually, they are used to characterize the model applied to each type of manufacturing, another advantage is also to facilitate the development of techniques or planning and management methodologies better targeted for each mode.

In this article, we will focus on explaining and exemplifying a very common type around the world: continuous manufacturing.

For ease of understanding, we have divided this article into a few topics:

• What is a Continuous Manufacturing System?
• What are the main characteristics of a Continuous Manufacturing System?
• Classifications of Continuous Manufacturing
• Want to specialize further?

What is a Continuous Manufacturing System?

Continuous production is the classification given to a production system very common in factories, as the name itself says, one in which the line does not stop producing, without stops and interruptions 24 hours a day.

For this system to work well, accurate knowledge about the product is necessary, but not only that, it is also essential to have rigorous planning. After all, the costs and expenses resulting from an unexpected pause can be catastrophic from a financial point of view.

Another factor that is necessary is a highly efficient and prepared production flow chain so that the products do not get stuck in stock.

We can cite as the main examples of these types of production the refineries and steel mills, which do not stop producing.

In this eBook you will see everything you need to know to enter the consulting market. You will learn:

• What is the role of a consultant;
• What areas of action;
• How to conduct a consulting project;
• How to price the service;
• What are the career challenges of a consultant.

Do not miss this opportunity and download this incredible material right now.

What are the main characteristics of a Continuous Manufacturing System?

In this topic, we have separated for you the three main attributions of the continuous manufacturing system and that occur in a common way in factories that adopt this type of production. Check them out!

1. Large amount of products

We think you may have already figured this one out, but it is impossible not to talk about this feature.

Continuous production generates an enormous amount of product. Even if assembly or manufacturing takes a long time, the high volume of production can be greater than any other system that would be implemented.

2. Standardized processes

Because production shifts are non-stop, there is a turnover of employees or continuous maintenance of the machine jobs.

This requires the manufacturing or assembly processes to be highly standardized, so that no errors can compromise the line and also so that machines and employees can perform their functions with greater ease.

3.Low variability

This standard that the production model must follow means that the variety of products produced is very low.

As Henry Ford used to say:

"Any customer can buy any color car he wants, as long as it's black."

This is one of the big reasons that this type of production system has been losing space in production lines. With the evolution of globalization, the market demands greater customization of products, which makes this model almost impossible to be applied in some segments.

But did you know that even within continuous production there are some subdivisions? Read on and find out what they are.

Classifications of Continuous Manufacturing

One of the greatest scholars of Production Programming, Planning, and Control (PPCP) in Brazil, Sérgio Baptista Zaccarelli established three subdivisions within Continuous Production. Get to know them below:

• Pure continuous manufacturing: In this subdivision there is only one production line, all the products generated are the same, since the transformation processes for all the raw material are totally standardized;
• Continuous manufacturing with assembly or disassembly: There are several continuous production lines that run simultaneously and that, in the end, converge on the assembly or disassembly line;
• Continuous manufacturing with final differentiation: in this case, there are flow characteristics equal to one or other of the subtypes presented above, however, the resulting product may present certain differences.

Want to specialize further?

Continuous production, without a doubt, is a great challenge for both the programming and the control of this system.

In order for it to remain operational and working efficiently, it is essential to have a continuous improvement action plan. A methodology that can be the great differential in your organization is Lean Six Sigma, formed by the junction of two concepts widely used in the industry, Lean and Six Sigma.

This junction has the purpose of improving the company's results by reducing the variability in its processes and by eliminating waste and activities that do not add value, thus reducing costs.

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that seeks to increase the profitability of companies through the improvement of their processes.

Thinking about you and your career, we, at Think Lean Six Sigma, created a FREE Yellow Belt training in Lean Six Sigma.In this training, we will introduce you to the DMAIC method and all its 5 steps, namely: "Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.

With this course, you will be able to develop small improvement projects within your area of expertise and work with Green Belts and Black Belts in support of the Lean Six Sigma program.

Have you ever thought about being the agent of change within your organization? Click on the image below for more information and become a Yellow Belt, for FREE!