CPIM Practice Exam

How is "capacity required" defined?

1. The total output a system currently produces

2. The minimum output a system can achieve

3. The necessary output to meet production goals

4. The sustainable output level for long-term operations

The correct answer is: The necessary output to meet production goals

The definition of "capacity required" focuses on the necessary output needed to meet production goals. This aligns with the operational objectives of any production system, where understanding how much capacity is needed helps in planning resources, scheduling, and ensuring that customer demands are met without delays. When determining capacity required, organizations evaluate forecasts, current demand, and production schedules to establish a specific output target. This allows them to assess whether they have sufficient resources, such as machinery, labor, and materials, to achieve those goals efficiently. The other definitions represent different aspects of operational metrics. The total output a system currently produces relates more to current performance rather than what is necessary to meet targets. The minimum output a system can achieve does not address the goals or demands placed on that system, and the sustainable output level for long-term operations emphasizes a more strategic view of capacity. However, "capacity required" distinctly captures the immediate needs to fulfill production goals, making it a critical measure in the context of manufacturing and supply chain management.