Characteristics of Continuous or Flow Production

• Flow of Material: The flow of materials is continuous and there is little or no queuing at any stage of processing.
• Machines and Plant Layout: Special purpose machines are used and plant and assembly stages are laid out the basis of product layout.
• Material Handling: Material handling is comparatively less firstly because materials move through a short distance between stages and secondly the material handling activity is mostly mechanized by conveyors and transfer machines.
• Skill of Labor: Relatively low skilled labor is necessary.
• Manufacturing Cycle Time: The manufacturing cycle time is very short. The machine capacities are balanced by line balancing.
• Quality of Supervision: Supervision is relatively easier as only few instructions are necessary only at the starting of the job, since standard jobs are produced.
• Flexibility in Production schedules: Interruptions due to breakdowns and absenteeism seriously affect production as stoppage of one machine in the line usually disturbs the working of others machines. Systematic preventive maintenance is necessary to prevent interruptions in production.