sarjavalmistusta

Sarjavalmistus, also known as batch production, is a manufacturing process where a specific quantity of a product, known as a batch, is produced together before moving on to the next stage of production or a different product. This method is distinct from continuous production, where a product is made without interruption, and from job production, where each item is made individually.

In sarjavalmistus, production runs are set up for a defined period or quantity. Once the batch is completed, the machinery and equipment are reconfigured or cleaned to produce a different product or another batch of the same product. This allows for flexibility in manufacturing a variety of goods, especially when demand is not constant or when different products share common production steps.

The advantages of sarjavalmistus include its ability to handle a diverse product range and its potential for cost efficiency compared to job production, as setup costs can be spread across a larger quantity. It also allows for better inventory management than continuous production in some cases, as specific quantities can be produced to meet anticipated demand. However, it can lead to longer lead times compared to continuous production, and managing the changeovers between different batches can be complex and time-consuming, impacting overall efficiency. The size of the batch is a critical factor, as too small a batch can increase setup costs per unit, while too large a batch can lead to excess inventory.