What is Intermittent Process?
Intermittent Process is a process that involves shutting down the production equipment periodically and readjusting it to make a slightly different product before reopening production.
Understanding Intermittent Process
Production does not run the same day in and day out. Goods are typically manufactured on a micro level, and industrial processes do not occur continually, resulting in an intermittent process. Products developed through this method will be of various sorts, designs, and dimensions. As a result, this is regarded as a flexible system.
Intermittent processes are employed in intermittent systems, which manufacture things only when they are required or ordered by the buyer. This type of production system is typically seen in tiny businesses or units. Such manufacturing processes are adaptable and are used to generate a variety of goods based on the requirements of the consumers. The very same item piece is utilized to manufacture new items at different time intervals.
Key Characteristics of Intermittent Process
The intermittent process includes some characteristics. These are-
- Manufacturing produces a wide range of goods.
- In nature, the quantity supplied is typically relatively little.
- The stream of operations is not continuous and occurs only on a periodic basis.
- On average, factors such as number, size, and structure are determined based on client expectations.
- A programmable device is used to manufacture a variety of products.
- The order or probability of operations varies according to the product design.
Practical Example
Example 1
Sam has a catering business. Whenever she gets orders from the customers, she cooks food on her own and runs the business. This is an illustration of an intermittent process since food is served based on the number of guests and the variety of things is determined by the clients based on the type of event.
Example 2
Harry runs a jewelry shop and the specialty of his business is custom-made designs. This is an example of the intermittent process as when the orders are placed, he would be the one working on customized jewelry designs. He completes the activity as buyers demand it at the showroom. It is that type of job or business that has a continuous process, rather than its order based.
In Sentences
- Intermittent processes are those that begin at an unknown period of time and finish at some other indeterminate period of time.