Final answer:
Process design is categorized by production volume and standardization, with two major categories being high-volume standardized processes and low-volume customized ones. Three common production strategies include make-to-stock, make-to-order, and engineer-to-order, which vary in their approach to inventory and customization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Process Design and Production Strategies
Process design can be broadly categorized by the volume of production and the degree of standardization. High-volume, standardized processes are typically associated with mass production of goods that require repetitive and uniform tasks. Conversely, low-volume, customized processes are often related to products with high levels of customization and variety.
The three common production strategies are make-to-stock (MTS), make-to-order (MTO), and engineer-to-order (ETO). Make-to-stock strategy involves producing goods for inventory based on expected demand, exemplified by consumer products like clothing and electronics. Make-to-order strategy is about producing goods only after receiving a customer's order, which is common for specialized machinery or custom furniture. Engineer-to-order strategy takes customization a step further, designing and producing new products to meet specific customer requirements, as seen in industrial projects such as building a new bridge or manufacturing a custom machine.
Engineering design process is a crucial aspect of both process design and production strategy, often involving a decision-making process where the basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences are applied to develop solutions.