Small batch manufacturing is a production process where a limited number of products are produced at a time, in contrast to mass production which involves producing large quantities of the same product at once. Since our founding we have made all of our product using small batch manufacturing mostly because we have to but also because of the benefits. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why small batch manufacturing is considered to be better than mass production.
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Increased Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of small batch manufacturing is its increased flexibility. This production process allows companies to quickly respond to changing market demands and customer preferences, as they can quickly switch between different products or modify their production process as needed. With mass production, on the other hand, it is difficult to change the production process once it is underway, and any changes can be time-consuming and expensive. With our unique fabric supply methods Dunsel's does not have enough fabric to create hundreds of units of the same exact product.
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Lower Inventory Costs: Small batch manufacturing reduces the amount of inventory that a company needs to hold, which in turn reduces the costs associated with storing and maintaining that inventory. With mass production, companies need to hold large quantities of inventory in order to ensure that they have enough product to meet demand. This not only increases storage costs, but it also increases the risk of obsolescence if demand changes.
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Improved Quality: Small batch manufacturing allows companies to focus on quality rather than quantity. With smaller batches, manufacturers can pay more attention to each product, making sure that it is produced to the highest standards. At every point of the manufacturing process the team is hands on with the product as it moves through different stages of the manufacturing process. This can results in improved product quality.
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Increased Innovation: Small batch manufacturing can also encourage innovation. With the ability to quickly switch between different products or production processes, we have the opportunity to experiment and test new ideas. This can lead to the development of new products and the refinement of existing ones.
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Lower Waste: Small batch manufacturing can reduce waste in several ways. Firstly, it reduces the amount of raw materials that need to be purchased, as smaller quantities of materials are needed for each batch. Secondly, it reduces the amount of waste generated during the production process, as Dunsel's can focus on producing only what is needed. Finally, it reduces the amount of waste generated from unsold inventory, as style changes.
In conclusion, small batch manufacturing offers a number of benefits over mass production, including increased flexibility, lower inventory costs, improved quality, increased innovation, and lower waste. We embrace small batch manufacturing to achieve greater efficiency, better customer satisfaction, and improved bottom-line results.