jobshop

A job shop is a manufacturing facility designed to produce a wide variety of custom or small-batch products. It typically uses a process-oriented or functional layout, where machines and workstations are grouped by function (such as turning, milling, welding) rather than by the product. This arrangement provides flexibility to handle different jobs that follow different routes and requires skilled operators who can set up and operate multiple machines.

Because of high product variety and low volumes, lead times can be longer than in mass production. Job shops rely on make-to-order or engineer-to-order strategies, with routing and scheduling driven by individual customer orders. Equipment is usually general-purpose and adaptable, including CNC machines, manual lathes, millers, presses, and fabrication tools. Tooling, fixtures, and setup times are important cost factors.

Planning and control are challenging. Scheduling must account for diverse routes, setup times, material handling, and bottlenecks. Common approaches include shop floor control systems, dispatching rules (earliest due date, shortest processing time), and material requirements planning integrated with ERP. Performance is typically evaluated by on-time delivery, throughput, machine utilization, and setup costs.

Applications include aerospace prototypes, custom machinery, repair and overhaul, tooling, and other industries requiring customization. Trends in job shops include digitalization, automation with modular, flexible tooling, and the use of CAD/CAM and MES to improve visibility and scheduling. Despite efficiency advantages in customization, job shops may face higher unit costs and longer lead times compared with dedicated line manufacturing.