Final answer:
Flow manufacturing has high machine utilization due to efficient material flow. Manufacturing is shifting from mass production to batch production for flexibility and customization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Flow manufacturing has the highest machine utilization because it emphasizes continuous and smooth flow of materials and components through the production process. It minimizes idle time and waiting times between operations, allowing machines to be utilized more efficiently. For example, in flow manufacturing, workstations are arranged in a way that minimizes the distance between consecutive operations, reducing the time it takes for materials to move between workstations.
The manufacturing community is moving away from mass production to batch production due to the need for flexibility and customization. Batch production allows manufacturers to produce smaller quantities of goods in response to specific customer demands or market trends. It also enables easier customization and quicker response to changes in demand. For example, in batch production, a manufacturer can quickly switch production to a different product or variant without reconfiguring the entire production line.