CPIM Practice Exam

What would be an ideal characteristic of an efficient work center?

1. High run times

2. Minimal queue times

3. Frequent equipment maintenance

4. Regular training for operators

The correct answer is: Minimal queue times

An ideal characteristic of an efficient work center is minimal queue times. This means that products or tasks spend as little time as possible waiting before being processed. Reducing queue times increases throughput, minimizes delays, and enhances overall productivity. Efficient work centers aim to streamline operations, and by minimizing wait times, they can respond more quickly to customer demand and maintain a smoother flow of work. In contrast, high run times may indicate excessive production time or longer processing times, which could lead to inefficiencies. Frequent equipment maintenance, while necessary for reliable operations, can lead to downtime that disrupts workflow if not managed properly. Regular training for operators is essential for skill development and maintaining quality standards but does not directly define the efficiency of a work center concerning flow and processing time. Therefore, minimal queue times are critical for achieving an efficient work center.