Batch PRODUCTION is the manufacture of a number of identical articles either to meet a specific order or to meet a continuous demand. Batch can be manufactured either-

• only once
• or REPEATEDLY at irregular time intervals as and when demand arise
• or repeatedly at regular time intervals to satisfy a continuous demand

The following are the important characteristics of batch type production system:

• As final product is somewhat standard and manufactured in batches, economy of scale can be availed to some extent.
• Machines are grouped on functional basis similar to the job shop manufacturing.
• Semi automatic, special purpose automatic machines are GENERALLY used to take advantage of the similarity among the products.
• Labor should be skilled enough to work UPON different product batches.
• In process inventory is usually high owing to the type of layout and material handling policies adopted.
• Semi automatic material handling SYSTEMS are most appropriate in conjunction with the semi automatic machines.
• Normally production planning and control is difficult due to the odd size and non repetitive nature of order.

Batch production is the manufacture of a number of identical articles either to meet a specific order or to meet a continuous demand. Batch can be manufactured either-

The following are the important characteristics of batch type production system: