Case Assignment-

Analyze the situation in the Plasti-Brack product line. Diagnose the problem and possible solutions to the capacity and order backlog. Determine an appropriate plan for correcting the problem. Justify your plan and make recommendations using your knowledge of productivity, process improvement, inventory, capacity, forecasting, and quality. Write a report to the VP of Operations. Use the Report Template provided.

Assignment Expectations

• Use the information provided in the Background readings from Module 1 through Module 4. It is not necessary to do any additional research.

• Review your backlog notes from your investigation about the Excellent Manufacturing Company and the various opinions, policies and data surrounding this backlog issue for the Plasti-Brack product line.

• Explore the possibilities of spending some of the capital budget on machines and or tools. Also consider improving setup time, improving quality, increasing capacity, and determining EOQs.

• Determine a plan for solving this problem in the Plasti-Brack product line. Consider there may be both a short-term solution and a long-term solution.

• Analyze the capacities including the rates of production, the amount of physical space and needs for equipment and people. At what level of capacity are these processes operating? What are some of the possible bottlenecks?

• What impact does the forecast have on future capacity needs? What are the implications if the forecast is inaccurate (too high or too low?)

• What are some possible ways of increasing capacity and what are the implications for the short term and long term such as costs and investment in capital?