CPIM Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a final assembly schedule (FAS)?

1. A detailed inventory of materials needed for production

2. A schedule for finishing products based on customer orders

3. A breakdown of labor costs associated with production

4. A timeline for routine maintenance of equipment

The correct answer is: A schedule for finishing products based on customer orders

The purpose of a final assembly schedule (FAS) is to organize and plan the finishing of products in accordance with customer orders. It acts as a crucial link between production and customer demand, ensuring that products are assembled and made available based on the specific requirements of customers at any given time. By closely aligning the production activities with customer orders, businesses can efficiently manage their workflow, reduce lead times, and enhance customer satisfaction by delivering products in a timely manner. This approach also helps businesses optimize resource utilization by prioritizing assembly efforts around actual demand rather than speculative production. The other options don't capture the essence of the final assembly schedule. While a detailed inventory of materials needed for production is important, it is separate from the broader scheduling of assembly activities. A breakdown of labor costs pertains to financial analysis rather than the scheduling of assembly, and a timeline for routine maintenance of equipment focuses on equipment upkeep rather than the production process itself.