Production Systems Three types of production system can be identified certain features of which influence the actions of production managers. Woodward compared the affect of these on the span of control of the first line supervisor and levels in the management hierarchy. She drew conclusions on how different approaches to operational systems design affect management control over work done. The importance of information is paramount.
Few companies produce single item products n.b. packaging is a product in itself.
Most production in engineering, electronics, furniture etc is concerned with assemblies of manufactured internally or 'bought in' components . Orders are routed through the functional departments where each operation is performed. The benefits of 'collective expertise' are obtained but the operators are 'task specialists'. This can result in motivational and attitudinal problems. Functional organisation is flexible but needs much close control and information on the progress of 'batches' between shops.