What is batch production?

Batch production refers to the manufacturing process where a specific quantity of a product is produced in groups or batches. This method allows for the production of several items simultaneously, all of which are identical within that batch. Batch production is particularly useful when demand for products fluctuates or when it is more efficient to produce items in groups rather than one at a time or continuously.

This approach strikes a balance between the high efficiency of mass production and the flexibility of job production. It enables manufacturers to produce diverse goods while reducing setup times and costs associated with starting new production runs for each item. This system can adapt to changes in market demand by adjusting the size of each batch, making it a versatile option in production planning.

In contrast, other options describe different production methods. Outputting products one at a time aligns more with job production, while creating products based on demand refers to make-to-order systems. Producing different models simultaneously resembles aspects of mass customization or flexible manufacturing systems, which focus on variety rather than uniformity within a batch.