What is the primary purpose of adding a time dimension to a flowchart to create a time-function map?

Correct answer: To identify and eliminate waste such as extra steps, duplication, and delay.

Explanation

The key advantage of time-function mapping over a standard flowchart is its ability to highlight time-based waste. By visualizing how much time is spent in non-value-adding activities like waiting, managers can better target improvement efforts.

Other questions

Question 1

Which of the four major process strategies is characterized by organizing facilities around specific activities to facilitate low-volume, high-variety production?

Question 2

A company is evaluating two processes. Process A has a fixed cost of $200,000 and a variable cost of $60 per unit. Process B has a fixed cost of $300,000 and a variable cost of $25 per unit. What is the crossover point in units where the total cost of both processes is equal?

Question 3

Which tool for process analysis is a schematic or drawing of the movement of material, product, or people?

Question 4

In the context of the service process matrix, which quadrant is characterized by a high degree of labor and a high degree of customization?

Question 5

What term describes the production of physical items by adding material layer upon layer, similar to how an inkjet printer works?

Question 6

In a process chart for a hamburger assembly process, the total time for all activities is 3.15 minutes. The time for value-added operations (moving patty to broiler and the broiling itself) is calculated as 2.50 minutes plus 0.20 minutes, totaling 2.70 minutes. What is the percentage of value-added time?

Question 7

The fundamental rethinking of business processes to bring about dramatic improvements in performance is known as:

Question 8

Which process strategy is characterized by high volume, low variety, and long, continuous production runs?

Question 9

In a value-stream map for Motorola's cell phone production, what is the total value-added time, calculated by summing the operational process times?

Question 10

What is the ability to respond with little penalty in time, cost, or customer value called?

Question 11

Which technology uses electronic signals from a centralized computer to automate production and material flow, bridging the gap between product-focused and process-focused facilities?

Question 12

In the service process matrix shown in Figure 7.8, which quadrant would typically include fast-food restaurants and airlines?

Question 13

What is the primary objective of a process strategy?

Question 14

A manufacturing system where CAD, FMS, inventory control, warehousing, and shipping are all integrated is known as:

Question 15

Which technique for improving service productivity involves structuring a service so customers must go to where the service is offered, such as a bank customer going to a loan officer for a loan?

Question 16

What does build-to-order (BTO) mean in the context of mass customization?

Question 17

Which process analysis tool takes an expanded look at where value is added (and not added) in the entire production process, including the supply chain, and starts with the customer?

Question 18

Which technology is a wireless system where integrated circuits with antennas send radio waves over a limited range to provide unique identification for tracking parts, pallets, or people?

Question 19

Kleber Enterprises is evaluating three software processes. The crossover point between Software A and B is 2,857 reports. The crossover point between Software B and C is 6,666 reports. For a forecasted volume of 5,000 reports, which software process is the most economical?

Question 20

What type of process is considered the classic assembly line and is widely used for automobiles and household appliances?

Question 21

In a service blueprint, activities are often structured into levels. Which level contains activities performed away from and not immediately visible to the customer?

Question 22

What is a major challenge of implementing a high-volume build-to-order (BTO) system for mass customization?

Question 23

What are electronically guided and controlled carts used in manufacturing and warehousing to move parts and equipment called?

Question 24

What is the term for delaying any modifications or customization to a product as long as possible in the production process?

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT one of the five tools for process analysis and design discussed in the chapter?

Question 26

In the context of the four process strategies, facilities with high fixed costs and low variable costs are most characteristic of which strategy?

Question 27

The use of video cameras and computer technology in inspection roles, such as checking for imperfections in Frito-Lay's potato chips, is an example of what technology?

Question 28

An accounting firm needs to select a new software process. Software B has a total fixed cost of $300,000 and a variable cost of $25 per report. Software C has a total fixed cost of $400,000 and a variable cost of $10 per report. At what volume of reports is the cost of the two processes equal?

Question 29

What are computer-controlled warehouses that provide for the automatic placement and withdrawal of parts and products into and from designated places called?

Question 30

In what way does time-function mapping (or process mapping) differ from a standard flowchart?

Question 31

Which of the four process strategies is best suited for producing a high volume of customized products, such as Dell computers?

Question 32

According to the service blueprint for Speedy Lube, Inc., what is an example of a potential failure point at the 'Perform Service' stage?

Question 33

What type of technology involves machinery that has its own computer and memory, such as the advanced equipment at Pratt and Whitney's turbine blade plant?

Question 34

In the comparison of process characteristics, which strategy typically involves the most broadly skilled operators?

Question 35

Which of the nine production technologies discussed are mechanical devices that use electronic impulses to activate motors and switches, often used for tasks that are monotonous or dangerous?

Question 36

What is the primary focus when operations managers are dealing with services in the low customization quadrants of the service process matrix?

Question 37

In the comparison of the four process strategies, which one is most likely to have finished goods that are built-to-order (BTO)?

Question 39

According to the analysis of American National Can Company's process mapping, how much time savings was achieved through process improvement?

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of the 'focus' technique for improving service productivity?

Question 41

What is the defining characteristic of a process-focused facility's scheduling?

Question 42

When comparing the four process options, which one typically has the lowest facility utilization, sometimes as low as 5 percent?

Question 43

What is a key difference between value-stream mapping (VSM) and a process chart?

Question 44

A manager of a service firm wants to analyze the process with a specific focus on customer interaction points, potential failure points in that interaction, and the line of visibility. Which tool should be used?

Question 45

The repetitive process strategy achieves its flexibility and product variety primarily through the use of what?

Question 46

Which of the four process strategies would be most appropriate for a company producing a very high volume of a single, standardized product like paper or glass?

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT listed as a major challenge for making mass customization work?

Question 48

A process chart is used to analyze the assembly of a product. The total time for the process is 200 seconds. The value-added operation time is 170 seconds. What is the percentage of value-added time for this process?

Question 49

A firm wants to compare two processes. Process A has fixed costs of $150,000 and variable costs of $60 per unit. Process B has fixed costs of $300,000 and variable costs of $25 per unit. What is the crossover point in units?

Question 50

In the four quadrants of the service process matrix, what are services with low labor intensity and high customization, such as fine-dining restaurants and auto repair shops, classified as?