What is Batch Production?

What is the cost difference with a continuous vs. batch microbal production process? Do anyone have a model?

• I am looking for a model that would allow me to examine the difference between continuous and batch processes - particularly for the production of chemicals or small molecules. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

• Answer:

  "Batch Processing" is a computing science term. It means that processes are executed with little or no human interaction or involvement. In contrast, "continuous" processing involves regular human interaction, control and feedback as part of the production process. These are very general production models applied throughout industry of all types. Their specific application depends on exactly what is being produced, and why. There is no simple, universal model, since the technology available is critical in determining whether full automation -- batch processing -- or human involvement -- continuous processing -- is more efficient. In computing science, for example, batch processing was the preferred method until, over time, more and more sophisticated human interfaces were developed to allow highly refined human control and interaction in computing systems. Now, a high degree of continuous processing is almost universal in computing systems. In biology, batch processing is still preferred, I believe, because of the difficulty of arranging precise, refined and effective human oversight and control of all stages of microbial production. This may be changing, again, as in the case of computer science, as the result of improvements in technology.