Know what the 3 types of production systems are!

It can be said that a system is a set of correlated elements that together play a function. But do you know what the different types of production systems are and?

If you don't know, you're in the right place!

In this article, you will find out what production systems are, their different types and how they relate to Lean Manufacturing and production planning and control (PCP), through the following topics:

• What are production systems?
• 3 Types of production system;
• Production types x PCP.

What are production systems?

Production systems are a set of several factors that together work to produce products and services.

This set is made up of people, departments, processes and machines present in an industry who work towards a common goal.

Production systems include processes from the entry of raw materials into the industry to the exit of products or services, including the input transformation process.

The processes, which result in a product, are called the conversion process. This illustrates the idea that the raw material has been totally transformed into a different product.

Processes, which have a service as their final result, are called transfer processes, giving the idea that know-how and technology have been "transferred".

When we talk about projects, we think about something of great magnitude. This is a mistake, because a project may be involved with small day-to-day activities. We can cite some examples in solving internal problems, negotiating with suppliers, delivering products, implementing systems and strategies. The correct management of the projects brings benefits to the organization, being able to be used in problem-solving. Good project management defines precisely the decision-making processes and also identify causes and effects.

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3 types of production systems

As you saw, the production system is very broad in the production process. There are different classifications of different production systems in the world.

Thus, you will check out three types: continuous production, intermittent production and production for large projects.

1. Continuous production

It is the most common type of production system to be found in the industry. Continuous production has an online flow that aims to produce as many products as possible in the shortest possible time, without stops and interruptions.

Usually, this type of process is found in companies with standardized production, such as the automotive industry, for example.

2. Intermittent production

In this type of system, the production process is carried out by batches, which can be custom (single or differentiated products) or following the demand for sales.

In this case, if the production is done in batches after one product is finished on the production line, another product will be produced on the same machines that produced the newly finished product

If production is done to order, the company will follow production as requested by the customer.

3. Production for large projects

This type of production is usually done when the project is a unique product.

Therefore, all efforts are focused on the manufacturing and assembly techniques (DFMA) of the project.

Because it is a high-level and non-standardized customized production, this type of system usually demands high costs.

As classic examples of production for large projects, there is the production of airplanes and elaborate instruments.

Production types x PCP

As you saw in the previous topic, each type of production system has its particularities, differing according to its rhythm and the different demands it has.

In the same way that production systems are defined according to your product and service, the PCP will be defined according to the type of system used.

But what do you mean?

Well, it's up to the PCP analyst or production administration to find out which planning will be most suitable for each type of production system.

For example, if the production system is continuous production, production planning and control will be by the flow.

Thus, the CFP must comply with what is proposed, always aiming at the continuous improvement of its processes with minimal waste for the organization.

Tell me what you learned!

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