Question

Consider consecutive processes A-B-C, where process A has a capacity of 20 units per hour, process B has a capacity of 25 units per hour, and process C has a capacity of 30 units per hour. Based on the principle of a lean system, where would an operations manager want any inventory?

Answer 1

Answer:

The operation manager would want the inventory in front of process A based on the lean system.

Explanation:

To fully understand the basis on which we chose the answer, we need to define what a lean system is.

A Lean system refers to a business process plan. More a of business model canvass that meticulously deal with business process plan and development for the purpose of achieving maximum value in production, client and customer satisfaction while still at a reduced cost of running business.  It should also be noted that the lean system is mostly a continuum of existing process and subsequent process progress are mostly determined by the level of integrity attained by the primary design stage.

With the understanding gotten from the definition above, it then obvious from the narrative of the question that the process is consecutive. As such, follows a pattern of A to B to C and thus the level of integrity of process design achieved at A will be passed down to B and C.

This is the more reason why the operation manager will prefer to to want an inventory at A which is the primary point of start.

Answer 2

Answer:

Inventory should not exist anywhere.

Explanation: An inventory is a term used in Production and supply chain to refer to the store value of finished goods or raw materials.

Lean manufacturing tends to promote JIT(JUST IN TIME) in terms of inventory management,JIT is trying to show that a lean manufacturing process should only have as much inventory as it requires Inna given period of time.

That is why Toyota ensured that all its suppliers located their factors close to its facilities.