Outline one impact on a manufacturer of using flow production rather than batch production

Question (2 marks): Outline one impact on a manufacturer of using flow production rather than batch production.

Mark scheme (AO1 1 + AO2 1):

• 1 mark: identifies a valid impact (e.g. lower unit cost, less flexibility, higher capital cost, more standardised output).
• 1 mark: applied/developed reasoning linking to manufacturing context.

Indicative answer (2/2): Flow production lowers unit costs because the continuous assembly line spreads high fixed costs (robotics, conveyors) over a very large output, allowing the manufacturer to compete on price in mass markets such as automotive or FMCG.