CPIM Practice Exam

What is the definition of slack time in manufacturing?

1. Time required for maintenance

2. Time remaining for an order minus setup and run times

3. Time allotted for quality checks

4. Time taken to train new employees

The correct answer is: Time remaining for an order minus setup and run times

Slack time in manufacturing refers to the amount of time that remains for a specific order after accounting for setup and run times. Essentially, it represents the flexibility in scheduling a particular task or order. By understanding slack time, manufacturers can identify how much additional time exists before a deadline, which facilitates better resource allocation and prioritization of tasks. When calculating slack time, the focus is on the elapsed production time relative to the scheduled time for that task. This is particularly significant in environments where multiple orders are managed simultaneously, allowing for adjustments in production schedules to accommodate various factors such as machine breakdowns or shifts in demand. In contrast, the other options touch on aspects of manufacturing but do not capture the essence of slack time. Maintenance requires planned downtime and does not influence the direct calculation of order time availability. Quality checks are critical, but the time allocated for them usually forms part of the operational timeline rather than reflecting extra time available. Training new employees is important for operational efficacy but is an unrelated factor when assessing the timing of specific orders.