Feasibility Studies

Question 1

Feasibility studies

Answer 1

The use of various methods to assess the practicality of a project

Question 2

Lean manufacturing

Answer 2

A strategy pioneered by Toyota, involving reducing waste in manufacture such as time, materials or idle machines

Question 3

Computer modelling in production planning and especially in lean manufacture

Answer 3

Simulation and planning of the assembly line, workstations and cells etc

Predictions of delay in production to help plan buffer zones for temporary storage of partially completed work whilst slower tasks are completed

Cycle time for manufacturing processes is calculated

Calculation of Takt time

Question 4

Buffer zone

Answer 4

A production line temporary storage area for partially completed products

Question 5

Cycle time and Takt time

Answer 5

Cycle time - the time taken to complete a manufacturing process

Takt time - the maximum amount of time to manufacture a product to meet consumer demand. Calculated by:

Production time / customer demand

Question 6

Feasibility studies and Costings

Answer 6

Spreadsheets are used to calculate the two categories of costs:

1 - direct costs such as materials and labour

2 - indirect costs such as factory lighting, rent and salaries

Factoring in unit sale price allows assessment of potential profit and feasibility

Sophisticated computer modelling is used for more complex aspects of production e.g. Injection moulding:

Initial mould cost
Size of moulding, materials and cycle time, including cooling
Number of units to be produced

Question 7

Feasibility computer modelling in design

Answer 7

Computer modelling an be used to test feasibility of designs:

Arrangement and interaction of components - e.g. Kitchen layout ergonomics

Assembly and disassembly procedure - e.g. Development of jet engines