Four types of manufacturing processes you need to know about

The manufacturing process is not a standardized function. This is an idea that emerged in the wake of the Industrial Revolution, when a base model served virtually all sectors of trade and the economy: chain production, in which the important thing was to achieve results within specific periods.

Today, fortunately, we know that this is not the only way to deal with the manufacture of an item, product or service. There are many more you can turn to when it comes to undertaking this important work in any company.

What are manufacturing processes: Process Engineering Services

Manufacturing processes should not be confused with production processes. While the latter refer to the production chain as such, from the conception of to materialization and commercialization, the former refer specifically to actions that relate to the product itself.

Or to put it another way: manufacturing processes are part of the production processes, which are much more complex and extensive, because they not only focus on the item or product as such, but also deal with the logistics of the other elements that interval directly or indirectly in it.

Manufacturing consists of concrete actions, grouped into a few objectives and generally coordinated by team or department leaders. Manufacturing is to make, correct, improve, implement and assemble.

Four common models of manufacturing processes

The actions that make up the manufacturing processes can be carried out in different ways. Not all companies manufacture their products according to the same patterns, such as number of stocks, delivery times and personnel involved, proposed objectives, among others.

Understanding these differences is essential for your business to position itself in the market. In fact, when choosing one of the existing manufacturing models, you should first review its characteristics:

1. Batch manufacturing:

Companies that opt for this model are generally divided into plants, in each of which a specific manufacturing work is carried out. Allows the output of large volumes of articles and products; hence it is ideal for large multinationals or reference companies in a market.

2. Continuous manufacturing:

This type of process does not divide manufacturing into batches or departments. The whole process takes place in the same place and its different phases have a close, consecutive and incremental relationship. Refineries are a good example of this.

3. Chain manufacturing:

Chain manufacturing is much more intense than continuous manufacturing. The chain of the manufacturing process is clearly defined and the item must pass through each of the expected points until its full materialization. Each task, even the first task, is due to the results of the previous one.

4. Manufacturing by project types:

It requires a high dose of planning and estimation of deadlines and costs. It is the most timely model of the four exposed and therefore has to group to manufacturing processes of short or medium term.

As you can see, manufacturing processes don't always happen the same way. The choice of any of these methods will depend on the needs of your business. Which one do you think fits best with your production chain?