Discuss the factors a business should consider before changing from a batch to a mass (flow) method of production. - Leaving Cert Business - Question C - 2018

Conducting market research is crucial. The business should assess if there is sufficient demand for the product at the planned scale of production. If the market size is inadequate, the investment in flow production may not be justified.

Switching to flow production can affect quality consistency due to the higher speed of production. It’s important for the business to ensure that quality can be maintained across larger batches of goods, as quality issues can damage the brand reputation.

Significant capital may be required to adapt to flow production. The business must consider whether it has the necessary financial resources or if it can secure financing without jeopardizing its financial stability.

Implementing flow production can lead to more repetitive work, which might affect employee morale. Businesses should evaluate if staff can handle the monotonous tasks or if there may be a high turnover rate, considering potential redundancy issues.

With flow production, adaptability can decrease. The business must consider how flexible they need to be in responding to customer needs. A more rigid production system could mean challenges in product variations.

More space is often required for flow production setups. The business should assess whether they can accommodate the necessary machinery and workflow, taking into account storage needs for raw materials and finished goods.

The shift to mass production could impact the business's brand name and reputation. Businesses need to evaluate whether this change aligns with their brand values and if it could enhance or detract from their market position.

Understanding the competitive landscape is essential. If competitors already have established flow production capabilities, entering this market could be challenging. The business must consider whether it can compete effectively under these conditions.