Characteristics of Batch Production

• Short Runs: Batch production is characterized by short production runs and frequent changes in set ups.
• Investment: Needs high investment. The production is generally made to stock.
• Planning: Planning routing and scheduling changes with fresh batch of orders.
• Skill of Labor: Skilled labor capable of handling variety of jobs is required.
• Quality of Supervision: The supervisions need considerable knowledge of specific process. The amount of supervision required in batch production is lower than that of job order production.
• Plant layout: Plant and equipment are procured and arranged to obtain flexibility. General purpose machines and handling equipments capable of performing variety of operations with minimum set up times are installed according to process layout.
• Material Handling: Material handling in batch production is less as compared to job order production.
• Flexibility in Production Schedule: Disruptions due to machine breakdown or absenteeism do not seriously affect production as another machine can be used or another operator from other machines can be shifted.