CPIM Practice Exam

What does external setup time refer to in a production process?

1. The time taken for maintenance of equipment

2. The time required for training workers

3. The time associated with setup procedures while the machine is running

4. The time spent waiting for materials to arrive

The correct answer is: The time associated with setup procedures while the machine is running

External setup time refers to the duration spent on setup procedures that can occur while the machine is not in operation, specifically external tasks that do not affect the productive time of the equipment itself. This concept focuses on optimizing the process to reduce downtime and increase efficiency. In the context of setup time, it is crucial to distinguish between internal and external setup times. Internal setup time involves the adjustments and preparations made directly on the machine while it is idle, whereas external setup time encompasses the activities that can be performed while the machine is still operational, thus helping to minimize the period of interruption to production. Addressing the other options, maintenance of equipment, training workers, and waiting for materials to arrive do not fall under the definition of external setup time. Maintenance relates to the upkeep of machinery, training pertains to workforce skill enhancement, and waiting for materials impacts lead times and production flow but does not specifically relate to the setup processes of machines. Thus, focusing on how effectively external setup time can be managed is vital to improving overall production efficiency.