Final answer:
A disadvantage of a product layout is its low flexibility, as it is designed for the efficient mass production of identical goods, leading to a rigid system that does not easily accommodate changes in product design or variations in demands.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the disadvantages of a product layout is that it has low flexibility. A product layout, often associated with mass production and the McDonaldization of society, is designed for the efficient production of a large volume of identical goods. This system streamlines operations by arranging equipment and workers in a sequence that supports the smooth flow of materials, but it often leads to rigidity in accommodating changes in product design or variations in product demand.
Furthermore, with a product layout, the focus on mechanized work environments and producing identical products in every location aligns with the trends toward economies of scale. This means that as production increases, the cost per unit decreases. However, the specialization and standardization that benefit economies of scale compromise the system's ability to adjust efficiently to new products or changes in product specifications, hence exhibiting low flexibility.
In terms of labor utilization, a product layout might lead to high labor efficiency when the system runs at full capacity, but low labor utilization can be a concern when the product demand fluctuates or when a change in product design requires modifications to the production line.