Basic concepts of production systems

Flowchart nodes

• Basic concepts of production systems

• Process maping

• Graphic representation of the steps and activities that make up a process, aiming to understand, analyze, and improve efficiency.

• Creating a flowchart to visualize the steps in a manufacturing process.

• Planning

• Activity involving the definition of goals, objectives, and strategies to guide present and future actions.

• Developing a business plan outlining short-term and long-term objectives.

• Inputs

• Raw materials, information, or resources needed to carry out a process or produce a product.

• In a bakery, flour, sugar, and eggs are inputs for making cakes.

• Processes

• Sequence of interrelated activities that transform inputs into products or services.

• Assembly line production in a car manufacturing plant.

• Procedures

• Set of detailed and specified steps to carry out a task or activity consistently.

• Documenting step-by-step procedures for employee onboarding.

• Products

• Final result of a process, which can be a tangible good or a service.

• A smartphone is the product of a complex manufacturing process.

• Materials

• Physical substances used in the production of goods.

• Steel and plastic as materials in the construction of furniture.

• Control

• Activities and processes to ensure that operations are carried out according to established plans and standards.

• Quality control checks during the production of electronic devices.

• Types of orders

• Categorization of purchase orders or requests for products or services based on certain criteria.

• Classifying orders as standard, rush, or custom.

• Takt Time

• The available time to complete one unit of production, calculated to match customer demand.

• In a factory, if the takt time is 10 minutes, one unit must be produced every 10 minutes.

• Forecast

• Future estimation of the demand for products or services based on analysis and projections.

• Using historical data to forecast sales for the upcoming quarter.

• Release

• Planned release of products or services for delivery.

• Releasing a new software version to customers.

• Lead Time

• The time needed to complete a process from start to final delivery.

• Lead time in e-commerce includes order processing, packaging, and shipping time.

• Delivery

• Final handover of products or services to the customer.

• The delivery of goods to the customer's doorstep after an online purchase.