In this assignment, you will develop a widget flow balance equation using the widget flow balance diagram developed in the previous assignment.
Once you understand how to develop an equation using a flow balance diagram, you will have completed this assignment
How do you come up with an equation from the flow balance diagram? Break out the widgets flow balance diagram you just made in the previous assignment. Then, recall the rules for flow balances.
If you recall, widgets were not created (manufactured) at Wonderful World of Widgets. And, widgets were not destroyed at Wonderful World of Widgets (widgets which did not meet quality specifications were sent to a recycler, not destroyed). Raw widgets were not purchased in bulk and plated widget products were not stockpiled at Wonderful World of Widgets.
Thus, what comes in must equal what goes out, or:
ARROWS IN = ARROWS OUT
Take this principle and apply it to your diagram while answering the following questions:
Based on these questions, you should have concluded that there is only one arrow in and it is the source of widgets coming in to your diagram. Further, you should have concluded that the arrow in is "widgets in by truck" which is the label on the arrows. Thus your equation becomes:
Arrows in = Arrows out
Widgets in by truck = Arrows out
Then, you must determine arrows out. Using your diagram, answer the following questions:
Based on your answers, simply plug in the "Arrows out" into your equation.
What would we use this equation for? This equation could be used for a number of purposes. First, you would need to know the weights or number of the items coming in and the items going out. Then, you could determine efficiencies, identify losses, and perform an overall evaluation of your system.
Let's consider this: Since widgets are very valuable, you could track the number of widgets coming in versus the number of widgets going out to determine if any of your employees are pocketing widgets for sale on the black market. Or, you could track the widgets coming in versus widgets going out to determine the widget breakage losses to pinpoint a need for improved handling procedures. These types of activities are covered in a later assignment. You could do a number of different things with the numbers, but it may make more sense once we perform some actual calculations, which we will do in the next assignment.
Now that we have completed the equation, is there anything else we should know? Once you have mastered the art of developing an equation from a materials flow balance diagram, and you understand the practical applications of the principle "Arrows in = Arrows out," you will have completed this assignment.
Answers to Assignment 3
Go on to Assignment 4
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