CPIM Practice Exam

What does idle capacity refer to in the theory of constraints?

1. The maximum resource capacity during peak hours

2. The capacity on constraint resources only

3. The available capacity on non-constraint resources

4. The total output produced in a day

The correct answer is: The available capacity on non-constraint resources

Idle capacity in the theory of constraints pertains specifically to the available capacity that exists on non-constraint resources. In this framework, a constraint resource is the bottleneck that limits the overall output of the system, meaning that it dictates the maximum throughput. Non-constraint resources, on the other hand, do not usually limit production but may have surplus capacity because they are not fully utilized at all times. When discussing idle capacity, it’s important to identify that this concept primarily relates to those resources that are not operating at their full potential due to a variety of factors, including workflow, inefficiencies, or strategic decisions. Hence, the available capacity on non-constraint resources essentially reflects the unused or inefficiently allocated resource potential, which can often be tapped into to improve overall system performance by alleviating some of the pressures on the constraint. Other options, such as the maximum resource capacity during peak hours, focus on capacity utilization during specific high-demand periods. The capacity on constraint resources only refers to the specific output limitations of the bottleneck, while the total output produced in a day encompasses the entire production volume without distinguishing resource utilizations. All these different perspectives emphasize various aspects of capacity but do not center on the available potential of non-constraint resources, which is where