Three processes are involved in the manufacturing of Chemical Z. First, the raw mixture goes through the Mixing Process, then the Heating Process, and finally the Bottling Process. The hourly production capacity of the three processes is 400 units, 600 units and 400 units respectively. Assume that a recent process improvement has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in the capacity of the Bottling Process. This process improvement will:
A) increase the production of Chemical Z by 80 units per hour.
B) increase the production of Chemical Z by 120 units per hour.
C) increase the production of Chemical Z by 200 units.
D) have no effect on the production level per hour.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The production rate of Chemical Z is limited by the slowest process in the sequence. Before the improvement, the Bottling Process had a capacity of 400 units, which matched the Mixing Process's capacity, making them the joint bottlenecks. Increasing the capacity of the Bottling Process to 480 units (a 20% increase) does not change the overall production rate because the Mixing Process, with a capacity of 400 units, remains the limiting factor.

Three Processes Are Involved in the Manufacturing of Chemical Z