Question

Avg inv over one prod cycle = 0.5(batch size) (1-flow rate *process time) VTlp makes 4 types of countertops on one cell, call them A, B, C, and D." It takes 3h to switch from one type of countertop to another. The demand rates for each countertop type in feet/hr are 100, 80, 70, and 50 respectively. When in production the cell can produce 350 feet/hr. Batch sizes are selected to minimize inventory while satisfying demand requirements. The production cycle identified by the staff ISEN is A-B- C-D-A-B-C-D... a. What batch size (in feet) is chosen for countertop A?

Answer 1

The batch size for countertop A should be 350 feet, calculated by the demand rate and the production cell's capability, considering the necessary time to switch production to another countertop type.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the batch size for countertop A, we need to ensure the demand is met and inventory is minimized. Given the demand rate for countertop A of 100 feet/hr and the production cell capability of 350 feet/hr, we can determine the production time required for countertop A to satisfy its hourly demand. The formula for the batch size is: Batch size = Demand rate * (Production time + Setup time).

Since it takes 3 hours to switch (Setup time) from one type of countertop to another, and the demand rate for countertop A is 100 feet/hr, we must calculate the sufficient Production time so that the cell can switch to producing countertop B right after meeting the demand for A without excess inventory. Because countertop A is produced at a rate of 350 feet/hr, in one hour of Production time, it will yield 350 feet of countertop A, which is enough to cover 3.5 hours of demand.

Therefore, to cover the Setup time of 3 hours for the next batch without falling behind on demand, we would ideally need one hour of Production time for countertop A. So, the batch size for countertop A should be 350 feet (1 hour * 350 feet/hr).