Home Style Cookies: Analysis of the batch processing system, hand-packaging and company's strategy

Question one 

The batch processing system is the production system used for the making of cookies. The process entails the company receiving orders from distributors. After this step, the quantity of ingredients is determined by the baker in charge that day where he feeds the computer with the information of the number of ingredients required . The ingredients are transferred to the giant mixing machine. Then the cookies are dropped into the conveyor belt and passed in one of the ovens. Filled cookies need loading and folding while non-filled cookies are diagonally cut. After cooling the cookies are placed on a cooling rack. Finally, the boxes are sealed and labeled automatically.

Question two. 

Cutting the non-filled cookies diagonally rather than round increases productivity since it occupies a small space. Also by increasing the length of every oven by five feet. Increasing the length produces a faster output speed because more cookies were able to be cooked and each received adequate space and amount of heat.

Question three. 

In my own opinion, the company’s decision not to have the packaging of cookies automated by machines is right. Human interactions in the production pave the way for quality assurance before the cookies are loaded and shipped for sale to consumers. This creates employment and offers jobs to the people near the company. In a more prominent company located in a leading city, these opportunities would more to provide to the surrounding community.

Question four. 

The factors that cause a company to carry least amounts of some inventories are that: Labels are subjected to change, the cookies have a limited shelf life hence must be loaded and transported immediately, and the time of cleaning the equipment . The benefits are the company can save on time, avoids wastage of resources since they make sure that they sell all the cookies they prepare.

Question five 

As a consumer, the factors that I consider when buying cookies in the supermarket are Nutritive value, the packaging of the cookies, the price, the amount and quantity, the cookies popularity, ingredients used, the availability and the expiry date

Question six 

One of the advantages of not using preservatives in cookies is that the cookies taste better and are healthier. The limitation is that they have a shorter shelf life meaning they spoil faster. Therefore, this will lead to a loss of revenue for the company.

Question seven 

The company’s strategy is simple ; this is a small company targeting a specific group of consumers. They prepare and produce quality cookies to satisfy the consumers need. The company target is the middle-aged group which prefers cookies with low sugar concentration and parents with young children also like them.