Final answer:
The number of servers on an assembly line should correspond to the customer flow to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction. Specialization fosters more skill and efficiency, leading to increased productivity and higher quality of work.
Step-by-step explanation:
The efficiency of an assembly line, like the one at Chipotle Mexican Grill, heavily relies on the number of servers matched to the pace of customer arrivals. Having only one server during slow times is practical as it minimizes labor costs and prevents staff underutilization. However, during peak times, a single server cannot manage the high volume of orders, leading to customer dissatisfaction and potential loss of business.
Conversely, having too many servers during slow periods leads to unnecessary labor expenses and inefficiency. Specialization, as seen in situations where one worker is a baker and another is a chef, can increase productivity as each worker becomes more skilled and efficient in their respective tasks. This principle is seen in various settings, from fast food restaurants to car assembly lines, where specialized workers can perform their duties faster and with higher quality, suggesting innovative ways to improve the process.