Fließband

A fließband, commonly known in English as an assembly line or conveyor belt, is a manufacturing process characterized by a linear arrangement of workstations where parts are added to a product as it moves from one station to the next. This system is designed to improve efficiency and reduce production time by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, repetitive steps. The concept was significantly popularized by Henry Ford in the early 20th century for the mass production of automobiles, although similar principles had been employed in earlier industries.

The core principle of the fließband is the continuous movement of the product. Workers or automated systems perform specific operations at designated points along the line, and the product is then transported to the next station, often via a conveyor belt. This method allows for specialization, where each worker becomes highly proficient at a limited set of tasks, leading to increased speed and reduced training time. It also facilitates quality control, as defects can be identified and addressed at individual stations.

While highly effective for mass production of standardized goods, the fließband system has also faced criticism. Its repetitive nature can lead to worker monotony and job dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the inflexibility of a strict assembly line can make it difficult to adapt to changes in product design or to produce a wide variety of customized items. Despite these drawbacks, the fließband remains a foundational element in many modern manufacturing industries worldwide.