by Vinayak Maheswaran

Created on: August 17, 2007   Last Updated: August 18, 2007

This is the output of large amounts of standardized items on production lines. Popularized by Henry Ford in the early twentieth century, notably in his Ford Model T, this technique utilizes the concept of the division of labor. The division of labor is the breaking up of tasks so that each worker can be more adept at a particular job. The good in its initial stage of creation moves from the start of the production line and keeps getting modified either by humans or machines until it emerges complete at the end.

Efficiency and productivity result and even countries do it with international specialization enjoying the gains of trade. Italy produces footwear, Brazil being better at coffee and China dominating the world market for electrical appliances. People find it handy too when specializing, earning wages which they can draw on to buy the services of others rather than perform all the tasks themselves.
When analyzing this process we can see that since practice makes perfect, workers can carry out the repetitive tasks with great speed and dexterity. Steps can be noted and automated. Employees on the conveyor belt don't need to move around finding tools. However the downside is that boredom sets in as the job is monotonous and recurring. Members of staff and consumers alike may not feel a sense of pride as identical commodities are being produced.
It is true that happenings like strikes and disruptions due to machine failures will delay production and stop work as a car cannot be painted without the body being laid out. Nonetheless I strongly feel that the pros outweigh the cons. Mass production has and continues to contribute to increased global levels of manufacture with more goods available for everyone.

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