Job Shop
A job shop is a manufacturing facility that produces small batches of custom products based on specific customer orders.
A job shop is a type of manufacturing process that specializes in low-volume, high-variety production. Unlike a production line making thousands of identical items, a job shop is organized to handle unique or semi-unique jobs. Machines with similar functions, such as lathes, mills, or grinders, are typically grouped together in distinct work centers or departments.
When a customer order arrives, it follows a unique path through the facility. A work order details the specific sequence of operations required. For example, a custom metal part might start at a cutting station, move to a CNC mill, then to a drilling station, and finally to a finishing area. The routing for each job is different, creating a complex flow of materials and work-in-progress (WIP) on the shop floor.
Job shops provide flexibility and are essential for producing prototypes, custom components, and repair parts. This model allows manufacturers to meet specific customer requirements without needing to produce large quantities. However, this flexibility introduces challenges in production scheduling, cost tracking, and managing lead times. Effective management requires careful planning to balance machine capacity, operator availability, and material flow for many different jobs at once.
A custom metal fabrication shop receives an order for 75 unique mounting brackets for an architectural project. The job starts in the cutting department to size the raw steel. It then moves to the CNC milling work center for shaping and finally to the welding station for assembly before inspection.
What is the main difference between a job shop and a production line?
A job shop produces a high variety of custom products in low volumes. A production line produces a low variety of standard products in high volumes.
How is scheduling managed in a job shop?
Scheduling is complex due to varied job routings and priorities. Planners often use Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) or Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software to manage the schedule.
Are job shops less efficient than mass production facilities?
They are less efficient for making large quantities of one item. They are very efficient for creating custom or small-batch products that mass production systems cannot handle.
What kind of equipment is found in a job shop?
Job shops use general-purpose machines like lathes, mills, grinders, and welders. This equipment can be reconfigured for many different jobs.
How does a job shop track costs?
Job shops typically use job costing. This method tracks the specific labor, material, and overhead costs for each individual work order to determine its profitability.
Make to Order
MTOMake to Order (MTO) is a production strategy where manufacturing starts only after a confirmed customer order is received.
Engineer-to-Order
ETOEngineer-to-Order (ETO) is a production method where a product is designed and manufactured only after a customer order is received.
Job Costing
Job costing is an accounting method that tracks the costs of materials, labor, and overhead for a specific manufacturing job or work order.
Cellular Manufacturing
Cellular manufacturing arranges equipment and workstations in a sequence to enable a smooth flow for a family of similar parts.
Work Order
A work order is a document that authorizes and details a specific job, such as manufacturing a product or performing maintenance.