Value: 3.00 Points Problem 6-1: An Assembly Line With 17 Tas

value: 3.00 points Problem 6-1 An assembly line with 17 tasks is to be

Problem 6-1 involves analyzing an assembly line with 17 tasks to determine various operational parameters. The key details provided include the maximum duration of any single task, the total time required to complete all tasks, the total available operation time per day, and specific calculations related to cycle times, idle times, and efficiency.

Initially, the goal is to identify the minimum and maximum cycle times based on the given task durations and operation period. Subsequently, the problem asks for the calculation of the percentage of idle time under different cycle time assumptions, including using the actual bottleneck cycle time and a specified 50-second cycle time. Additionally, tasks must be ordered by their greatest positional weight to facilitate line balancing. Finally, the line’s efficiency must be computed considering the total task time and operational constraints.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of balancing an assembly line with multiple tasks involves detailed analysis of task durations, station capacities, and overall efficiency to optimize throughput and minimize idle time. This specific case involves 17 tasks with a maximum task time of 2.4 minutes, a total task time of 18 minutes, and an operational period of 450 minutes daily. Analyzing these parameters provides insight into the optimal cycle time, station workload distribution, and overall productivity.

Determining Minimum and Maximum Cycle Times

The cycle time is the maximum time a station can allocate to complete its assigned tasks within the available daily operational period. To find the minimum and maximum bounds, we consider the total task time and the bottleneck task time. The minimum cycle time is dictated by the length of the longest task, which is 2.4 minutes, representing the minimum cycle time necessary to accommodate the slowest task. Conversely, the maximum cycle time is derived from dividing the total available time by the number of work stations needed, which is tied to the total task time and operational hours.

Calculations show that the minimum cycle time is approximately 2.4 minutes, given that no station can process tasks faster than the longest task. The maximum cycle time is calculated as:

Maximum cycle time = Total available time / Number of stations

Assuming all tasks are evenly distributed, the maximum cycle time aligns with the total task time divided by the number of stations necessary to process all tasks within the operation period, which is roughly 18 minutes over 450 minutes.

Computing Idle Time Percentages

Idle time percentages reveal how efficiently the assembly line operates under different cycle time assumptions. When using the actual bottleneck cycle time, calculations show the proportion of time stations remain unproductive. For example, a cycle time of 2.4 minutes results in specific idle times based on the total operational minutes. Similarly, evaluating a hypothetical cycle time of 50 seconds (or approximately 0.83 minutes) provides insight into potential efficiency gains or losses.

Order of Tasks by Positional Weight

Organizing tasks based on their greatest positional weight ensures that tasks with higher influence on line flow are prioritized. Positional weight considers task duration and the impact on subsequent tasks if delayed. Listing tasks in order of decreasing positional weight facilitates an optimal station assignment that minimizes idle time and maximizes throughput.

Calculating Line Efficiency

The efficiency of the assembly line measures how well the total available time is utilized for productive work. It is calculated by comparing total task time to the product of cycle time and the number of stations, expressed as a percentage. An efficiency close to 100% indicates a well-balanced line with minimal idle time, while lower efficiency suggests room for process improvement.

Conclusion

Balancing an assembly line involves meticulous calculations to determine optimal cycle times, task sequencing, and efficiency. By analyzing task durations, operational constraints, and idle times, manufacturers can make informed decisions to maximize productivity. Implementing effective line balancing strategies enhances throughput, reduces waste, and improves overall operational effectiveness.

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