The circulation time

1. a) Number of kanban containers for a container size of 100 parts

The number of kanban containers needed for a container size of 100 parts is: number of kanban containers = demand rate / (container size * circulation time)= 100,000 units / (100 parts * 24 hours/part)= 41.67 kanban containers

1. b) Effect of reducing the container size to 60 parts

If the container size is reduced to 60 parts, then the number of kanban containers will increase to: number of kanban containers = 100,000 units / (60 parts * 24 hours/part)= 66.67 kanban containers This is because the smaller container size will lead to a shorter circulation time, which will mean that more kanban containers are needed to meet the demand rate.

1. c) Takt time for this process

The takt time for this process is: takt time = 1 / demand rate= 1 / 100,000 units/year= 200 / 1000 hours/year= 0.2 hours/unit

1. d) Takt time for 80,000 units per year

The takt time for 80,000 units per year is: takt time = 1 / demand rate= 1 / 80,000 units/year= 125 / 1000 hours/year= 0.125 hours/unit Additional thoughts The takt time is the time it takes to produce one unit of product at a given demand rate. It is important to maintain a consistent takt time in order to avoid bottlenecks and ensure that the demand rate is met. Reducing the container size can help to improve the takt time by reducing the amount of time that parts spend in the system. However, it is important to make sure that the demand rate can be met with the smaller container size. Increasing the demand rate will also reduce the takt time. However, it is important to make sure that the system can handle the increased demand rate. Ultimately, the takt time is a balancing act between the demand rate, the capacity of the system, and the container size.    

Sample Solution

The number of kanban containers needed for a container size of 100 parts