Final answer:
The correct answer is option C, cycle time for the process step being longer than any other process step, as it indicates a bottleneck that could constrain the entire process and hinder the ability to meet customer demand.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which conditions indicate that a process step is a constraint in a sequential process flow where customer demand is not being met, let's examine the options provided. A constraint in a production process is a step that limits the throughput of the entire system, reducing its capacity to meet customer demand.
Out of the options:
- Option A is incorrect because if throughput for the process step is higher than any other process step, it is likely not the constraint but rather a step that is functioning efficiently.
- Option B is an operational concern and may suggest inefficiency, but more operators do not inherently indicate a process step is a constraint.
- Option C is correct because if the cycle time for the process step is longer than any other process step, it can slow down the entire process flow, thus creating a bottleneck and becoming a constraint.
- Option D, like option B, might suggest inefficiency, but more setup time alone does not necessarily make the step a constraint unless it directly affects the flow of the entire process.
- Option E does not indicate a constraint as having lower work-in-process typically suggests a step that is not a bottleneck.
So, the correct answer is option C, where the cycle time for the process step is longer than any other process step.