CPIM Practice Exam

What factors contribute to determining available time in a work center?

1. Shift structure, overtime, and public holidays

2. The total number of machines in operation

3. The efficiency of the workforce

4. Supplier delivery schedules

The correct answer is: Shift structure, overtime, and public holidays

The correct choice identifies the various elements that influence the amount of time a work center is actually available to produce goods. Shift structure indicates how many hours per day and how many days per week the work center operates. This includes regular shifts as well as any potential changes due to special shifts or overtime. Overtime allows for additional hours beyond the standard workweek, which can increase available time for production. Public holidays are factors that typically reduce available working days, as they can lead to closures. While considering the other options, the total number of machines in operation is important for understanding capacity, it doesn’t directly relate to the available time unless it’s considered alongside the operational hours. The efficiency of the workforce indeed affects productivity but does not directly affect the measurement of available time. Supplier delivery schedules impact the workflow and the timing of materials arriving for production but are not factors in determining how much time is available for production at the work center itself. Thus, the combination of shift structure, overtime, and public holidays is crucial for quantifying available time effectively.