Ops 571 - Process Design

Process Design Summary

OPS/571

Process Design Summary

        The Process design matrix was designed to tell the differences between the process design of service and product. In this summary, the service that was selected is food service, and the product being ordnance. In the product process design, there are several types of approaches that can be taken, namely the assembly line, batch, continuous flow, and work center or job shop. In the service process design there are three types of processes that are taken. The types are self service, production line, and the personal attention approach. The goal of this summary is to discuss the differences between the way each approach is selected and the reasons why each service and product was chosen for the aforementioned matrix.  

Product Process Design

To determine the product that was going to be used, it had to be a product or groups of products that I would be familiar with. Because I served in the United States Marine Corps as an Ordnance man, I am extremely familiar with the ins-and-outs of all things ordnance. Ordnance can be classified as many things: bombs, missiles, rockets, warheads, ammunition, and all of the components that make up those items. In the product process design, the five line items that I chose to fill out, that I felt were the best classifiable for ordnance were the design focal point, the strategy, the factory location, the production planning and the capacity. Inventory did not make the list because, much like capacity, the same factors are calculated for ordnance. The appropriate design process that is directly applicable to this type of product is a work center or job shop. In fact our bomb pad was often called the shop. The reason why this is the best process design for this type of product is that we have so many different items to manufacture. They all use similar tools and the same publications, so instead of having something like an assembly line, all of the different ordnance items could be created at once.  

Service Process Design

        The service that was chosen for this matrix was food service. Before joining the military, I worked as a manager for a restaurant. So like the product, I am very familiar with how the food service industry operates. I used the same five line items that I used for the product; those items being: design focal point, the strategy, the factory location, the production planning and the capacity. These items were chosen for a reason and not just ease of use or symmetry with the product process design. Each of the line items is crucial to how food service operates successfully. For instance, if the restaurant does not have the capacity to service the demand, then the business will likely not be as successful as it could be. The food service process design is usually synonymous with production line kitchens. Because of the amount of different items that a kitchen produces, the production line helps to minimize the responsibility of each employee. This can be because a certain person is responsible for the grill, one for the fryer, one for plating, and so fourth. The production line is the easiest way to have everyone on task at all time. It also creates a position for each station to become experts at their stations; this can help management ensure that each plate being produced is done to the standards of the organization.