Characteristics of Modern Large Scale Manufacturing
Modern large scale manufacturing represents a systematic approach to production, primarily focused on maximizing efficiency and output. This section explores its distinct characteristics:
- Specialisation of Skills: Unlike craft methods producing custom or limited products, mass production focuses on standardization, where each worker is assigned specific tasks to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and produce uniform goods.
- Organisational Structure: Large manufacturing operations necessitate a hierarchical organisation that allows for efficient management and division of tasks. This structure is integral for maintaining high production levels and managing vast operations effectively.
- Mechanisation and Automation: The prevalence of complex machinery and automation has transformed manufacturing processes, leading to higher production rates with lower labor cost and greater precision.
- Capital Investment: Large scale manufacturing is capital-intensive, requiring substantial investments in facilities, machinery, and technology. This aspect is crucial for sustaining operations and ensuring competitiveness in the market.
- Geographic Concentration: Modern manufacturing often occurs in specific geographic regions where resources and markets converge, leading to economic and political dominance by these industrial hubs.
- Access to Resources: The location of factories is a strategic decision influenced by the need for raw materials, labor, energy, and efficient transportation. Industries are often situated near these resources to minimize costs and boost productivity.
- Technological Innovation: Continuous advancements in technology enable manufacturing to become more efficient, focusing on quality, waste reduction, and environmental considerations.
In conclusion, understanding these characteristics is essential in grasping how modern manufacturing functions and evolves in a global economic context.