National Cranberry

Answer 1

We have identified 3 main problems:

1-The capacity of the wet berries is only 600 bbls per hour, the current intake is 2100 bbls per hour.

2- The process starts at 11 a.m on a peak day and at 3p.m on low days.

3- Current overtime costs are out of control over 12,000 hours.

Answer 2

Among the various sources of variability that affect the company operations we can recognize the most relevant:

1. The company operating system is able to work with fresh and processed fruit. The first type requires a greater labor-intensive process that is usually performed by a great amount of worker, especially during the high season. The second type involves the use of mechanic process, but even if this kind of operation is faster, is more time consuming, because of the waiting time necesarry for the unloading process or the greater amount of trucks needed to perform the operation.

2. The different types of harvest systems, give a different result in the business output. The water system is able to give a greater amount of yield, 20% more compared to the dry system. The differences between the two methods have also an effect on the process needed to complete the job. Dry berries are sent to the destoning process before heading to the dechaffing units, while the wet berries are sent directly to the dechaffing units.

Answer 3

Answer 4

1. The total waiting hours for trucks will be:

Processing rate = 600 bbls/ hour

Arrival