CPIM Practice Exam

What technique is used for capacity control by monitoring inputs and outputs at a work center?

1. Flow control

2. Input/output control

3. Cumulative variance

4. Planned backlog

The correct answer is: Input/output control

The technique used for capacity control by monitoring inputs and outputs at a work center is input/output control. This method focuses on balancing the workload and capacity at a specific work center by consistently analyzing the amount of work that is entering (inputs) and the amount that is being completed (outputs). Input/output control enables managers to identify discrepancies between the expected and actual performance, allowing for timely adjustments to the schedule or resources. By closely monitoring these inputs and outputs, a work center can operate more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that production lines do not become overloaded or underutilized. This proactive approach helps maintain a consistent flow of work, which is critical for meeting production goals and customer demand. Other options, while related to production and capacity management, do not specifically focus on the direct monitoring of inputs and outputs to control capacity in the same manner. Flow control generally refers to managing the movement of materials or information through a system. Cumulative variance is a measure of performance against planned results over time, and planned backlog pertains to intentionally allowing work to be queued up to balance workloads or resources.