What priority control technique is most appropriate for a firm using a cellular production system?

What priority control technique is most appropriate for a firm using a cellular production system?
A . Shortest processing time (SPT) rule
B . Distribution requirements planning (DRP)
C . Pull production activity control (PAC)
D . Push production activity control (PAC)

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

A cellular production system is a type of lean manufacturing system that reduces waste and improves efficiency by grouping machines and workers into cells that can produce a complete product or a product family. A pull production activity control (PAC) technique is most appropriate for a cellular production system because it allows the cells to produce only what is needed by the downstream processes or customers, thus minimizing inventory and overproduction. A pull PAC technique also enables quick response to changes in demand and feedback from quality control. A push PAC technique, on the other hand, is based on predetermined schedules and forecasts, which may not match the actual demand and may result in excess inventory and waste. The shortest processing time (SPT) rule and the distribution requirements planning (DRP) are not specific to cellular production systems and do not take into account the customer demand or the cell capacity.

References:

• CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, p. 49

• Cellular Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Guide

• Cellular manufacturing – Wikipedia