What is the difference between mass production and custom manufacturing?

Mass production is characterized by the systematic manufacturing of large quantities of identical products. This process typically involves assembly lines and standardized techniques to produce goods efficiently and at a lower cost per unit. The focus on producing high volumes allows for economies of scale, which can lead to significant cost savings.

In contrast to this, custom manufacturing involves creating unique items that are often tailored to specific customer requirements. While mass production aims for uniformity and high output, custom manufacturing prioritizes flexibility and individual specifications. The differences in purpose and output between these two methods highlight why the emphasis on large quantities in mass production is a distinguishing factor.

When considering the other options, it is important to note that tailored items do not typically arise from mass production (as stated in the first option), and custom manufacturing is usually not faster than mass production due to the intricate design and production process needed for bespoke items. Lastly, the focus on efficiency is more aligned with mass production, as its processes are optimized to minimize production costs and time, rather than custom manufacturing, which often requires more time and resources for each individual item.