CPIM Practice Exam

What action is taken if the variance in capacity control exceeds pre-established limits?

1. No action is necessary

2. Immediate production halt

3. Corrective actions are taken to realign with the plan

4. Assessment of worker performance

The correct answer is: Corrective actions are taken to realign with the plan

When the variance in capacity control exceeds pre-established limits, taking corrective actions to realign with the plan is a necessary response. This choice reflects the need for effective capacity management and continuous improvement within operations. When variations are detected, they indicate that there are discrepancies between the planned capacity and the actual output or performance. Implementing corrective actions allows organizations to analyze the cause of the variances—such as resource bottlenecks, equipment failures, or unexpected demand surges—and to develop strategies to address these issues. This proactive approach not only helps in mitigating current problems but also contributes to more accurate planning in the future, ensuring that capacity aligns with the operational goals. This corrective action could involve rescheduling production, reallocating resources, or making modifications to processes to better match the existing capability with the workload. A focus on addressing variances promotes operational efficiency and sustainability, ultimately supporting overall business objectives.