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  • September 2017 (Revised March 2023)
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

Production Processes

By: Willy Shih and Michael W. Toffel
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:10
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Abstract

This note describes four broad categories of process architectures and then examines the nature of task assignment that typically would be found in a factory organized along the lines of each process type. It then delves more deeply into work flow policies, materials handling, and line pacing for the assembly line, since this process architecture is so widely used for the mass production of everything from smartphones to automobiles.

Keywords

Production Management; Production Planning; Production Scheduling; Process Analysis; Process Maps; Processing Times; Process Improvement; Production; Management; Product; Consumer Products Industry; Manufacturing Industry

Citation

Shih, Willy, and Michael W. Toffel. "Production Processes." Harvard Business School Background Note 618-023, September 2017. (Revised March 2023.)
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About The Authors

Willy C. Shih

Technology and Operations Management
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Michael W. Toffel

Technology and Operations Management
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Related Work

    • September 2017 (Revised March 2023)
    • Faculty Research

    Production Processes

    By: Willy Shih and Michael W. Toffel
Related Work
  • Production Processes By: Willy Shih and Michael W. Toffel
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