There are several advantages of the continuous production of products over production in batches in terms of production volume, cost, energy, and quality. High volume production is possible in a shorter amount of time due to ongoing production and eliminating unnecessary start-up and shutdown steps. Lower unit cost and energy savings can be achieved through automation and reduction of unnecessary labor. Better quality control can also be maintained as there are fewer opportunities for the process to be changed or for human error to impact production.
Continuous production is a method used to maximize the amount of product that is made in a given amount of time and production space. Production generally takes place 24 hours a day, year-round without interruption. With the exception of an unusual outage, equipment is in use at all times and output from the production flow is similarly ongoing.
The most obvious advantage of continuous production is the ability to produce high product output in a short amount of time. By running a production line around the clock instead of only during standard work hours, a facility can manufacture more products. This method also avoids wasting time shutting down and restarting equipment on a regular basis that otherwise could be used for production.
