Question

If, as an operations manager, you’re in a situation where demand for your product or service exceeds your ability to make the products or deliver the service, then you want to find ways to increase your production so you can sell more.

Suggest FOUR (4) ways to manage bottlenecks by increase the process capacity in operations management.

(1500 Words)

Answer 1

In order to increase the production, one may need to look into where the production process is lagging behind. By doing so, managing bottlenecks would be easier. Let's see Four ways to manage bottlenecks by increasing the process capacity.

1) Increase number of resources : When we increase the resources needed to spur up our production then we need to pay attention to how many extra resources would be needed. As given in the above situation, we have high demand of our goods or services than our production capacity, then, in this case, if we look into the matter that we need to increase our materials like, for example - Raw materials, machinery etc then we must increase them. Also, one may increase the number of employees so that every production process happens fast and also done within the stipulated time.

2) Check Quality and time taken : While in production process, all machineries making goods are automated and if one process breaks down the other machines too stop working as they're linked together. For example, if it's a biscuit factory, Machinery 1 will be making the mixture needed to make biscuits. Machinery 2 will carry the mixture from Machinery 1 and fill the mixture in the plate or bowl. Machinery 3 will be dealing with baking part of the biscuits to make it hard and crunchy. Machinery 3 will then move the baked biscuits to Machinery 4 where packing part will be carried on. Thus ,from this example, if even a single machinery breaks down or delays in it's process then the whole chain of production will be affected. Therefore it's mandatory to keep a check on all the machineries and production process. This will need a good planning and back up of things. Also, don't let your bottleneck time go on those things which are of not good quality. Instead focus on making a new one and Don't use the bad quality of product.

3) Always check your Production process :  Having a record of how much time is taking at each stage of production plus overall production process and then keeping a record of it will help in increasing production capacity. This will help to analysis where extra time is needed and when the time can be reduced. By doing so you can come up with a solution wherein production is taking less time as well as achieving it's goal efficiently.

4) Increase the production time : Increasing time of production can prove to be very beneficial and will thus help you meet your demand well on time. Engaging and continuing the production process even during breaks such as lunch breaks, other break periods will increase your production and ultimately you will be able to achieve your demand. Engage employees even during lunch breaks or other breaks. One can arrange shift timings for making it flexible even for employees who are working. This way it will be a win-win situation, wherein the production process is effective and fast and also employees are at ease.  

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