Question: Based on the data in previous Problem and your answers to that problem, determine the average level of work-in-process (number of parts-in-process) in the plant.
Problem: The average part produced in a certain batch manufacturing plant must be processed through an average SlX machines. Twenty (20) new batches of parts are launched each week. Average operation time = 6 min, average setup time = 5 hr, average batch size = 25 parts and average nonoperation time per batch = 10 hr/machine. There are 18 machines in the plant. The plant operates an average of 70 production hours per week. Scrap rate is negligible. Determine:
(a) manufacturing lead time for an average part,
(b) plant capacity.
(c) plant utilization.
(d) How would you expect the nonoperation time to be affected by the plant utilization?