CPIM Practice Exam

Which term describes a resource that, if not managed properly, may limit an organization’s throughput?

1. Constraint

2. Non-constraint

3. Capacity-constrained resource

4. Bottleneck

The correct answer is: Capacity-constrained resource

The term that describes a resource which, if not managed properly, may limit an organization’s throughput is referred to as a capacity-constrained resource. This concept highlights that there are specific resources within an organization that can significantly restrict the overall production or throughput capabilities when their capacity is approached or exceeded. Capacity-constrained resources are those resources that do not have sufficient capacity to meet demand. Hence, they require careful management to ensure that production processes are efficient and that output is maximized without overloading these critical resources. By effectively managing these resources, organizations can improve their operational efficiency and increase throughput. In contrast, a constraint refers to any factor that limits the performance of a system and can include various types of limitations, not just those related to capacity. A bottleneck specifically refers to a stage in a process that reduces the overall output, often tied to a capacity constraint but not limited to just that interpretation. Non-constraints are resources that have ample capacity beyond operational needs and do not significantly impact overall throughput. Understanding the distinction between these terms is vital for effective supply chain management and operational strategy.