MBA576 Week 4 Peer Response

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Running Header: KIBBY AND STRAND MATRIX

Unit 4: Kibby and Strand’s Scheduling Methodology Evaluation Matrix

Park University

MBA 576: Operations Management

Erika Smith

This week my role is the Production Manager of Kibby and Strand. As a production manager, you'll oversee the production process, coordinating all production activities and operations. (Stevenson, 2021) The unit four discussion we are outlining a scheduling methodology evaluation matrix for managing Kibby and Strand production based on incoming contracts. Create a Gantt chart demonstrating how the methodology of choice would sequence five pending agreements. Finally, draft a memo to the COO explaining the production scheduling methodology.

As Production Manager, we first must have an excellent understanding of the product flow within the warehouse, between each workstation. “Flow is how work progresses through a system. When a system is working well or having a “good” flow, it tends to move steadily and predictably, whereas “bad” flow means the work starts and stops. Every time there is a breakdown in the flow, chances of accumulating waste increase.” (Adam, n.d.)

Kibby and Strand will utilize the FCFS – The first-come First will serve as the production schedule strategy for all contracts, and we want to make the priority rule as per FCFS. To unitize this method, we will need to know the minimum and maximum amount of product to expect; this will help establish how much area you need to create. “Maintaining the sequence makes it much easier to find and fix problems and changes. It is also possible to force FIFO pretty much through a FIFO-type inventory system like a rolling lane. If it is easiest for the worker to pick up the first part, he will do so.” (Roser & Kumar, 2021)

FIFO is the backbone of any flow production and will be our primary method unless the customer has asked for any urgent request or any specific date for delivery. Customer satisfaction is our number one goal. We will do our best to accommodate all delivery dates. I reviewed the methods: shortest processing time, Earliest due date, Critical Ratio, Slacker per operation, and rush. Below is a chart that explains each method:

FIFO system is a very good way to control the movement of products between machines. As production managers, we should review the process to identify any bottlenecks and other lean tools like set-up reduction and preventative maintenance. This will ensure the flow of the products. Tracking work in progress over a period will show how well the production system was going and how good the initial analysis was. This information will help improve the flow in the production system.

Gant Chart

The purpose of the Gantt Chart is to organize and visually display actual or indented us of resources in a timeframe. (Stevenson, 2021)

Gant Chart: Kibby and Strand

MEMO

September 3, 2021

TO: COO

FROM: Production Management

SUBJECT: Scheduling Methodology Evaluation Matrix

Following the goals and mission of Kibby and Strand, produce and deliver items promptly and meet the specifications of the contract. Further, building our reputation by providing goods swiftly based on the contract specification. By building their reputation, they hope to create a solid consumer base and acquire new contracts. I have spent these past few weeks analyzing the production flow at Kibby and Stand, looking for bottlenecks and delays in processing. 

           Appropriate time management is essential to saving costs and on-time contract delivery. 

I feel the FCFS – First cone First will serve as the production schedule strategy for all contracts, and we want to make the priority rule as per FCFS. We will deviate from our plan upon request of a rushed order to meet our customer's needs. I feel this process is an excellent method of maintaining the processing sequence make finding and fixing problems and changes within the production line much easier. 

           Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Please feel free to contact me further in this matter by phone 123-3451 email Productionmanager@inc.com

#Signed#

Reference:

Adam M. (n.d.). Understanding the principle of flow in lean manufacturing. https://online.kettering.edu/news/2016/07/07/understanding-principle-flow-lean-manufacturing.

Roser, C., & Kumar, A. (2021, April 5). Production sequences: FCFS, Edd, and others. AllAboutLean.com. https://www.allaboutlean.com/fcfs-edd-etc/.

Stevenson, W. J. (2021). Operations management. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.