JOB, BATCH AND MASS PRODUCTION
Batch production is between these two extremes of job and mass production. In these cases we look at forecasting orders and estimating quantities. We can analyse your past and future orders and your rate of production, take into account your cost of storage, and determine the optimum batch size. The second part of the analysis determines the order of production when there are other products to be manufactured using the same facilities. This analysis looks at order rates, clean up of facilities between products, product lifetime, production time, storage cost and space. Service levels and guarantees may also play a role in determining a production schedule.
There are three types of manufacturing: job, mass and batch production. In our experience most organisations’ workloads will have elements of all three. With job production, every day will be different, so we look for average trends and use simulation to test out shift patterns and improve response production rates. Regional Analysis of repairs and maintenance is an example of job production. A burst water main is a one-off job that needs its own schedule as an emergency. Connecting a the group of new houses to the mains can be a 'job' or a 'batch' of jobs, making the pipes. valves and meters can be 'mass' production if there is enough product. In mass production every working day will be the same. So once you find the correct staffing levels, we can create shift patterns and operational procedures to ensure that you have the correct staffing every day.
Once a batch order procedure is created we look at which staff with which skill set will be required and create a scheduling system to ensure that the correct staff will be available when and where required and that the orders will be produced as efficiently and cost effectively as possible. If you would like us to help you with your production please contact us. If you would like a shift pattern review why not use our Business Health Check package.
Shift working quietly powers the world around us. From the bread on your table to the aircraft you fly in, from your mobile phone network to the ports, pharmacies, and food producers that keep life moving — shift workers make it all possible.
You can download our booklet to explore the full range of products and services we offer, complete with clear diagrams that illustrate our proven methodology.
Our brochure lifts the lid on how different industries rely on smart, well‑designed shift patterns to stay safe, efficient, and resilient. If you want to understand how better shift operations can transform performance, reduce costs, and improve work–life balance, this is the perfect place to start.
Creating a shift pattern isn’t just a calculation — it’s an art. It means balancing holidays, skills, workload, wellbeing, budgets, fatigue, and future growth to build a sustainable operation where the business performs at its best and shift workers can truly thrive. If you want to see how we design the right people, in the right numbers, in the right place, at the right time — this booklet is the perfect place to begin.