What is batch flow?and what are the characteristics of batch flow?

Question

What is batch flow?and what are the characteristics of batch flow?

Answer 1

Batch flow is a manufacturing method where each station does jobs in batches. A batch of items, say 50, enter the manufacturing station, each one of the parts are processed, then the whole batch goes to the next station. This is different than the assembly line processing that you usually see on TV.

Batch processing works well when there are set up times associated with the machinery used to build the parts. Let's say you have to drill three different size holes in each part. You might want to set the drill with one size bit, drill all the parts, change the bit, drill all the parts, set the third drill bit and drill all the parts.

Another use of batch processing is when you have one part of the process that can handle multiple parts at the same time. Maybe a large oven that heats up the parts for some reason. It costs nearly the same amount of money and time to do one part or to do 100 parts at one time. You would want to batch as many parts together to run thru  this process at once.

I hope that helps.