The process batch at the constraint in a drum-buffer-rope system should be:
A) the same size as that at any non-constraint.
B) the same size as the transfer batch.
C) of such a size as to maximize the number of setups for the constraint.
D) of such a size as to improve utilization of the constraint.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The process batch at the constraint should be of such a size as to improve utilization of the constraint. This means that the batch should be large enough to keep the constraint busy but not so large that it causes excess inventory or waiting times. The other choices are not optimal because a) the process batch at the constraint should be smaller than that at any non-constraint, b) the transfer batch is not necessarily the same as the process batch, and c) maximizing the number of setups may not always result in the best utilization of the constraint.

The Process Batch at the Constraint in a Drum-Buffer-Rope System