What type of manufacturing involves workers following the product throughout stages of production?

Cellular manufacturing involves organizing workstations in a way that allows workers to follow a product through its various stages of production. This method is characterized by the creation of small teams, often referred to as "cells," that are responsible for completing a specific part of the production process. Each cell typically functions independently and is responsible for a significant portion of the manufacturing, enabling workers to be involved in multiple stages of production.

This approach enhances flexibility and communication among team members while effectively utilizing cross-trained workers. It contrasts with other forms of manufacturing, such as job production, which focuses on unique, custom products; flow production, which is aimed at high-volume, low-variety goods moving continuously through a linear process; and batch production, where items are produced in groups or batches rather than in a continuous flow, making it less adaptable to individual products. Cellular manufacturing’s structure encourages worker engagement and efficiency, which is why it is related to the concept of workers following the product throughout its production stages.