CPIM Practice Exam

In a work center using a functional layout, which component typically dominates lead time?

1. Run time

2. Setup time

3. Move time

4. Queue time

The correct answer is: Queue time

In a work center that employs a functional layout, queue time typically dominates lead time due to the arrangement of resources and the flow of work. In a functional layout, similar machines or processes are grouped together, which can lead to a more complex path for materials as they move from one area to another. As a result, work-in-progress items often accumulate at different stages while waiting for processing, causing extended periods of idle time. Queue time is the amount of time that a job or order waits before being processed, and in a functional layout, where there might be multiple jobs waiting to be performed on the same type of machine, this waiting time can become significant. Since different machines often serve various functions and aren't necessarily in a straight line flow, the interaction between processes can also lead to bottlenecks, further contributing to increased queue times. In contrast, run time, setup time, and move time tend to be more predictable and can often be optimized. While they are essential aspects of lead time, they generally do not fluctuate as much as queue time in a functional layout, where variability in job arrival rates and processing times can exacerbate waiting periods. Thus, the dominating factor in lead time for such layouts is indeed queue time.