CPIM Practice Exam

Which statement accurately describes the changes in the liquid zone of a master schedule system?

1. Changes can be made with little or no cost to production.

2. Capacity and materials can easily be committed to new orders.

3. Scheduling changes entail difficulty but no added production cost.

4. The master planner can authorize changes.

The correct answer is: Changes can be made with little or no cost to production.

In a master schedule system, the liquid zone refers to the part of the schedule where changes are still feasible without significantly impacting production. When we consider the nature of the liquid zone, changes can indeed be made with little or no cost to production. This flexibility is critical because it allows planners to respond to demand fluctuations or new orders without incurring additional expenses or disrupting ongoing production plans. This concept aligns with the tactical nature of the liquid zone, where adjustments can be implemented more fluidly compared to more committed parts of the schedule, referred to as the frozen zone. The ability to make changes effortlessly supports agility in operations and helps organizations better manage their resources according to current market demands. Other statements may suggest a level of complexity or constraints that don’t accurately reflect the nature of the liquid zone. For instance, committing capacity and material to new orders, dealing with significant scheduling difficulties, or needing authorization from the master planner usually pertains to the more committed zones of the master scheduling process rather than the agile and adaptable liquid zone.