What characterizes Mass Production?

Mass production is characterized primarily by low costs combined with reduced flexibility. This production strategy emphasizes the manufacture of large quantities of standardized products, which leads to economies of scale. By utilizing streamlined processes and specialized machinery, organizations can achieve a significant reduction in per-unit costs. However, this approach comes at the expense of flexibility; once production setups are established for a particular product line, making changes or customizing products is typically difficult and costly. This rigidity contrasts with other manufacturing approaches that prioritize customization or adaptability, which can often require more investment and specialized skills. Hence, while mass production excels in producing uniform items efficiently, it lacks the ability to quickly pivot to meet diverse customer needs.