Batching in operations refers to what practice?

Batching in operations refers to the practice of producing large quantities of items as a group. This method allows for the efficient use of resources, such as machinery and labor, by consolidating the production of similar items into a single run or batch. By grouping items together, companies can often reduce setup times and optimize processes, leading to lower costs and improved efficiency.

This approach contrasts with other practices such as continuous production, which operates non-stop, or making products only on customer demand, which aligns more with just-in-time production methods. Additionally, while reducing waste is an important consideration in operations management, producing smaller batches typically refers to a different strategy that focuses on flexibility and responsiveness rather than the scale of production. Thus, the practice of batching is fundamentally about scaling production to enhance efficiency and productivity in operational processes.