Automan,Inc.makes "tennis robots" on an assembly line with 9 tasks.The tasks and their times follow.
$$\begin{array} { | c | c | }
\hline \begin{array} { c }
\text { Work } \
\text { Element }
\end{array} & \begin{array} { c }
\text { Time } \
( \mathrm { sec } )
\end{array} \
\hline 1 & 20 \
2 & 30 \
3 & 25 \
4 & 25 \
5 & 10 \
6 & 20 \
7 & 15 \
8 & 45 \
9 & 50 \
\hline
\end{array}$$
The desired output rate is 50 robots an hour.The "theoretical maximum efficiency" on the line is
A) less than 85%.
B) more than 85% but less than or equal to 90%.
C) more than 90% but less than or equal to 95%.
D) more than 95%.

Question

Automan,Inc.makes "tennis robots" on an assembly line with 9 tasks.The tasks and their times follow.
$$\begin{array} { | c | c | } 
\hline \begin{array} { c } 
\text { Work } \
\text { Element }
\end{array} & \begin{array} { c } 
\text { Time } \
( \mathrm { sec } )
\end{array} \
\hline 1 & 20 \
2 & 30 \
3 & 25 \
4 & 25 \
5 & 10 \
6 & 20 \
7 & 15 \
8 & 45 \
9 & 50 \
\hline
\end{array}$$
The desired output rate is 50 robots an hour.The "theoretical maximum efficiency" on the line is
A) less than 85%.
B) more than 85% but less than or equal to 90%.
C) more than 90% but less than or equal to 95%.
D) more than 95%.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The theoretical maximum efficiency is 100% - (idle time / total time) * 100%. The total time is the sum of the task times, which is 240 seconds. The desired output rate is 50 robots per hour, which is 1 robot every 72 seconds. Therefore, the idle time is 72 - 240 = -168 seconds. The theoretical maximum efficiency is 100% - (-168 / 240) * 100% = 85%.

Automan,Inc The Desired Output Rate Is 50 Robots an Hour