Publications
Publications
- September 2017 (Revised March 2023)
- HBS Case Collection
Production Processes
By: Willy Shih and Michael W. Toffel
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.)