Given the following data about an assembly line and the knowledge that we are trying to attain an output rate of 40 units per hour, what is the theoretical minimum number of stations?
A) four or fewer stations
B) five stations
C) six stations
D) seven or more stations

Question

Given the following data about an assembly line and the knowledge that we are trying to attain an output rate of 40 units per hour, what is the theoretical minimum number of stations? 
A) four or fewer stations 
B) five stations 
C) six stations 
D) seven or more stations

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine the theoretical minimum number of stations, we use the formula: 
Minimum number of stations = (sum of task times) / (cycle time) 
The sum of all task times is 125 seconds. To achieve an output rate of 40 units per hour, we need a cycle time of 90 seconds (3600 seconds per hour / 40 units per hour = 90 seconds per unit). 
Therefore, the minimum number of stations required is 125/90 = 1.39, which rounds up to 2. 
However, since we can't have fractional stations, we round up to the nearest whole number, which gives us a minimum of 3 stations. 
However, due to the fact that the tasks have varying times, two tasks share the same working time, and the possibility of accumulating tasks, it is best to add a buffer station to ensure that the system remains flexible and reduces bottleneck. Therefore, the theoretical minimum number of stations should be six.

Given the Following Data About an Assembly Line and the Knowledge