Line production is a simple production method used by firms. In line production, firms simply produce goods "on a line" in which goods are passed on from one production station to another. Line production may involve several firms, each one taking care of one "station" on the line. For example, a design team might send its design to an engineering firm for tweaking, then to a manufacturing firm for assembly.
Continuous flow production is like line production, but automated in a single factory. In continuous production, all goods are produced in a single factory using automated technologies. For example, a production line in a continuous production factory might have several stations, each of which produce a different computer component. The entire factory would be controlled by computers that make sure each individual component stays on task.
In the job method of production, the entire task is handled by workers. Here, relatively little of the labor is handed over to a machine or automated system. Instead, workers take care of most of the production. This is typical of goods production where high-end craftsmanship is required, such as high end wine production or top-of-the-line musical instrument manufacturing.
Batch method is a type of combined method where significant amounts of human labor are combined with automated processes. Batch method is typically used by firms that process a higher volume of goods. In the batch method, production is divided into parts, and a team of workers will typically work together to produce a given part of the product. The parts may then be assembled, either by a machine or another group of workers.
Just in time methods produce goods as they are needed by customers. In just-in-time methods, employees and machines are always standing by, waiting for an order to come in. When an order comes in, the employees and/or machines begin producing goods for the customer. This method is popular in fast food, where employees and machinery are set up so that burgers will be produced exactly when the customer orders them.