True or false 1 Reducing batch sizes always decreases flow t

True or false

1. Reducing batch sizes always decreases flow times

2. In a pull system, the downstream station authorizes the upstream station to work

3. Increasing batch sizes at a process step always increases capacity for that step

4. Reducing batch size always increases flow rate.

5. Waiting time in queue increases exponentially with the coefficient of variation of processing times

Solution

1. Increased batch size affects manufacturing lead time, quality and work in process inventory level. Therefore it is TRUE that reducing batch sizes always decreases flow times.

2. It is TRUE that in a pull system, the downstream station authorizes the upstream station to work because in pull system of production the order to make and deliver parts comes from the downstream station of each workstation that uses those parts. That station orders the upstream station to fill the supply. Only on receiving of this order the upstream station authorized to produce the needed parts.

3.

It is False that increasing batch sizes at a process step always increases capacity for that step.

4.

A flow rate refers to the total number of units going through a business process in per unit time. Decrease in batch size would not have any impact on the number of units going through a process per unit time. Hence It is FALSE that reducing batch size always increases flow rate