Intermittent process

An intermittent process is a batch production method in Intro to Business where goods or services are made in groups based on demand or customer orders. It gives a business more flexibility and customization than continuous production.

What is intermittent process?

An intermittent process is a production method in Intro to Business where work happens in batches, not in one nonstop stream. A business makes a group of products, pauses or switches setups, and then produces the next batch based on orders or changing demand.

This is the kind of process you use when customers do not all want the exact same thing at the exact same time. A bakery making different pastries each morning, a print shop filling custom orders, or a furniture maker building a small run of tables all fit this pattern. The product mix can change from batch to batch, so the workflow has to stay flexible.

Intermittent process sits closer to job production than to continuous process on the production spectrum. That means the output is usually more customized, but the operation is less streamlined. Machines may need to be reset, workers may switch tasks, and materials may move through the system in a less predictable way.

Because of that flexibility, intermittent production often works well for businesses with varied customer preferences, seasonal demand, or smaller order sizes. The tradeoff is that it usually costs more per unit than a continuous process. Time spent changing setups, waiting between batches, and coordinating different orders can lower efficiency.

A simple way to think about it is this: continuous production is like an assembly line that keeps moving, while intermittent process is more like a business that stops and starts to make different batches. The stop-and-start pattern is the whole point. It lets a company respond to demand, but it also means the operation has to manage scheduling, inventory, and labor carefully.

Why intermittent process matters in Intro to Business

Intermittent process shows up whenever an Intro to Business course talks about how firms match production to demand. It connects the big idea of operations management to a real decision: do you make one standardized product over and over, or do you switch production to fit different orders?

This term also helps you explain why two businesses in the same industry can look very different. A custom bakery, a small clothing brand, and a print shop may all use intermittent production because they need flexibility more than speed. When you see a case about changing customer tastes or special orders, this term gives you the right lens for explaining the production choice.

It also ties directly to cost. Intermittent processes usually give customers more choice, but that flexibility can raise labor costs, setup time, and unit cost. That tradeoff is a common business theme: more variety often means less efficiency. Once you understand that tradeoff, it becomes easier to compare production methods and predict which one a business would choose.

How intermittent process connects across the course

Batch Production

Batch production is the most common way intermittent process shows up in real businesses. Products are made in groups, which lets a company finish one batch, switch equipment or ingredients, and move to the next order. If a problem asks how a business handles mixed demand, batch production is often the operational detail you point to.

Continuous Process

Continuous process is the opposite end of the spectrum. Instead of stopping and starting for different batches, production keeps moving with little interruption. That setup works better for standardized products and high volume, while intermittent process works better when the product changes often.

Job Production

Job production is even more customized than intermittent production. A single item or project is made to order, often with a lot of worker input and little repetition. Intermittent process can include some customization, but it usually produces groups of similar items rather than one completely unique output each time.

Customization

Customization is one of the main reasons a business chooses an intermittent process. If customers want different sizes, designs, or specifications, a batch-based system makes that possible. The more customization a company offers, the less likely it is to use a fully continuous process.

Is intermittent process on the Intro to Business exam?

A quiz question or case analysis may ask you to match a business with the right production process, and intermittent process is the answer when output is made in batches with changing setups. You might identify it from clues like custom orders, seasonal demand, or a company that produces several product types in small runs. If you see a scenario with a bakery, print shop, or furniture maker, ask whether the business is switching between batches instead of running one nonstop line.

You can also be asked to compare tradeoffs. The usual move is to explain that intermittent process increases flexibility and customization, but lowers efficiency and can raise costs. If a question asks why a business would choose it anyway, point to demand variation or the need to produce different items without committing to a single standardized line.

Intermittent process vs Continuous Process

These two are easy to mix up because both describe how goods move through production. Intermittent process happens in batches with setup changes between runs, while continuous process keeps production moving with very little stopping. If the business makes varied products or custom orders, think intermittent. If it makes the same product in huge volume, think continuous.

Key things to remember about intermittent process

• An intermittent process is batch-based production that starts and stops as demand changes.

• It works well when a business needs flexibility, customization, or small runs of different products.

• The tradeoff is usually lower efficiency and higher unit cost because of setup time and switching between batches.

• It sits closer to job production than to continuous process on the production spectrum.

• When you see custom orders or varied customer demand in Intro to Business, intermittent process is often the right term.

Frequently asked questions about intermittent process

What is intermittent process in Intro to Business?

Intermittent process is a production method where a business makes goods or services in batches instead of one nonstop flow. It is used when demand changes or customers want different versions of a product. That flexibility makes it common in businesses with custom or small-run output.

How is intermittent process different from continuous process?

Intermittent process stops and starts so a business can switch between batches, while continuous process keeps production moving with minimal interruption. Intermittent is better for variety and customization. Continuous is better for high-volume, standardized products.

What is an example of an intermittent process?

A bakery making different kinds of cakes for separate orders is a good example. A print shop, small furniture maker, or custom clothing business can also use this method. The common feature is that the business produces in groups, then changes setups for the next order.

Why would a business use an intermittent process if it costs more?

A business uses it when customers want variety or when demand is too uneven for a nonstop production line. The higher cost can be worth it if the company can sell customized products or respond quickly to changing orders. Flexibility can be a competitive advantage.