1. LO: To understand what a standard component is and to be able to explain why they are used by manufacturers
Must: be able to say what a standard component is and give 3 examples
Should: be able to give 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of using standard components
Could: give more than 3 advantages and more than 3 disadvantages of the use of standard components in Mass Production

2. Standard Component: Definition
A Standard Component is part of a product which is bought ready made. They can be used at home, in the test kitchen, by small catering establishments, or in a factory. They are used to save time, space, labour, and therefore money.

3. Examples of Standard Components
Ready made Icing and frosting
Breadcrumbs
Prepared vegetables
These are parts of a food product that can be bought ready made. Examples include:
Grated Cheese
Sauces
Pizza Bases / mixes
Ready made pastry / pastry mixes
Chopped herbs and spice blends

4. Quorn and Vegetable Pasta Bake Chicken and Mushroom Pie
Example Exam Question
What standard components could be used in the production of these products: (8 Marks)
Chocolate Gateau
Quorn and Vegetable Pasta Bake
Chicken and Mushroom Pie
Pizza

5. Why Use Standard Components?
Advantages
Disadvantages
Saves Time
Not easy to vary product - can’t change it.
Less Staff
Can be more expensive
Can be cheaper
Have to rely on other people - supplier
Less Mess
Might not be exactly as you want it
Consistent Product
Might not taste as good as made from scratch
Less chance of error
May contain more preservatives
Don’t need to buy expensive equipment
Might not be able to store them in bulk
Need less skill - easier
Makes planning harder – need to allow time.
Less risk of cross contamination

6. Task: Your group is planning the production of a traditionally made luxury Italian pizza.
You must decide:
Which parts of the product should be the
standard component (at least 1).
Things to discuss:
Can a traditional product use a standard component?
A luxury product has to be high quality – will this be a problem?
Will saving cost change the quality?
Which standard component will save the most space, time and room for error in the factory?
Which part of the product needs to be the most consistent?

7. Example Exam Question
Peter’s Pasta Company buy a standard component basic tomato sauce from a specialist supplier. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of them doing this. (6 Marks)
Remember if you see the words Explain, Summarise, or Discuss , you must write a paragraph: do not use bullet points!

8. LO Review: To understand what a standard component is and to be able to explain why they are used by manufacturers
Must: be able to say what a standard component is and give 3 examples
Should: be able to give 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of using standard components
Could: give more than 3 advantages and more than 3 disadvantages of the use of standard components in Mass Production