Batches

A batch is a collection of items treated as a group in a single operation or process. The concept emphasizes uniform treatment and traceability, with items in a batch sharing common characteristics such as production order, start time, or processing steps.

In manufacturing, batch production creates a defined quantity of a product in one run. Batches enable flexibility, varying products, and thorough quality control, but require setup time between runs and risk waste if defects are found late. Batch size and scheduling influence throughput and inventory.

In computing, batch processing runs a sequence of jobs without interactive input, typically scheduled or queued. Batch jobs may process large data volumes, run during off-peak hours, and rely on batch files or job control languages. Drawbacks include latency and limited user feedback; improvements come from parallel processing, error handling, and modular pipelines.

In statistics and quality management, batch concepts help organize operations and data collection. Batch sampling selects units from a batch for testing rather than inspecting every item, aiding efficiency while supporting quality decisions. In regulated industries, batch records document the production history of a product for traceability and compliance, and batch release determines whether a batch may proceed to distribution.

Terminology varies by field; batch is often used to describe the processing run, while lot refers to a specifically identified quantity for inventory and recall purposes. In everyday use, batch cooking or batch processing describes handling multiple items in one session to save time and resources.