Problem
Consider the following batch flow process consisting of three process steps performed by three machines.
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Step 1
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Step 2
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Step 3
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Processing time
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2 mins/unit
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3 mins/unit
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1.5 mins/unit
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Setup Time
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20 mins
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No setup
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No setup
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a) Assume that the batch size is 10 parts. What is the capacity of the process?
b) For a batch size of 50 parts, which step is the bottleneck for the process?
c) What is the ideal batch size (i.e. one that minimizes inventory without affecting process capacity)?