Choosing between Batch and Flow Production methods

The choice of whether to use a batch or flow production process will be determined by the financial resources of the firm and the extent to which it seeks to produce a differentiated product. The table below looks in different aspects of these production methods

 Factors to be considered  Batch Production Flow Production
 Size of order
 Small High
 Output Low High
 Product range
 High Low
 Product variation
 High Low
 Flexibility of process
 High Low
 Dedication of machinery  Low High
 Capital investment
 Low High
 Process time
 High Short
 Economies of Scale
 Low High
 Level of labour skill
 High Low

  Before taking a decision a business has to look into all these aspects and see what is more appropriate for them and then make a choice.