| Batch Production: | Larger scale production runs where the operation can be broken down into separate activities or batches. Such production runs may be for a set number of items that serve a particular need - for example, the production of Easter eggs. Batch production allows for some flexibility in production - moulds for chocolate eggs could be used for white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate, for example. |
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| Benchmarking | the continuous process of measuring producers, services, and practices against strong competitors or recognized industry leaders. It is an ongoing activity that is intended to improve performance and can be applied to all facets of operation. |
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| Bionics | Discipline which examines elementary biological processes, structures and function regarding technical usability and systematic transfer to technical solutions. |
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| Black Box Method | A tool which helps someone to specify the innovation needs of a business problem |
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| Blockage of communication | external or internal obstacles of the individual that impede imagination; they can be of social nature (e.g. conformity), of methodological nature (e.g. rigidity of algorithms used before, premature criticism etc.) or of emotional nature (fear of making mistakes) |
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| BoM (Bill of Materials): | A bill of materials (BOM) defines the products structure in terms of materials and provides an optional connection to plant resources such as machinery, tooling, and labour defined by a bill of routing. |
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| Brainstorming | Method used to generate ideas. The method can be used individually or in-group. No criticism of ideas is allowed until the final of session. |
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| Brainwriting | Like Brainstorming ( see 4.2), a method for generating ideas. Ideas are written down by the participants, e.g. individually on small cards or in groups on a bigger sheet of paper – there are a lot of variations, see also 4.3 “Method 635”. After a set period of time, cards are collected, analysed and ideas are discussed. |
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| Business Plan | The written document that details a proposed or existing venture. It seeks to capture the vision, current status, expected needs, defined markets, and projected results of the business. |
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