Here's how Ford's assembly line worked:
1. Division of Labor: Instead of one worker building an entire car, the process was broken down into hundreds of smaller, simpler tasks. Each worker performed only one or a few repetitive actions on the car as it moved along the line.
2. Moving Assembly Line: The car chassis moved along a conveyor belt at a controlled speed. This ensured a steady flow of work and prevented bottlenecks. This was a key innovation – earlier assembly lines were static.
3. Standardized Parts: Ford used interchangeable parts, meaning that every part was made to the exact same specifications. This made assembly much faster and easier, and also simplified repairs and replacements.
4. Specialized Tools and Equipment: Ford developed specialized tools and jigs to make the assembly process more efficient. This allowed workers to perform their tasks quickly and accurately.
5. Continuous Flow: The assembly line aimed for a continuous flow of work, with minimal downtime. This meant optimizing the pace of the line to match the worker's capabilities.
The result was a massive increase in production efficiency. Before the assembly line, building a car was a time-consuming and expensive process. Ford's system dramatically reduced production time and cost, making automobiles affordable for the average person and revolutionizing the industry. It also profoundly impacted manufacturing processes across many other industries.
