Which technique is used to determine the optimal number of workers by ensuring an even workload across tasks?

Which technique is used to determine the optimal number of workers by ensuring an even workload across tasks?

• A. 5S
• B. Line Balancing
• C. Kanban
• D. SMED

Answer: (B)

Line balancing is about spreading work evenly across the production line so every station shares a similar workload and the process can run at a steady pace. The pace is set by takt time—the rate at which you must complete units to meet demand. By listing each task, its time, and any task order constraints, you shape a cycle time and then assign tasks to stations to keep each station busy for roughly the same duration. This directly tells you how many workers (or stations) you need to meet that pace. Practically, you add up all the task times for one unit and divide by the cycle time; round up to determine the number of stations/workers necessary to maintain a balanced line and avoid bottlenecks. Other techniques play different roles. Five S focuses on workplace organization and cleanliness, Kanban controls the flow of materials with signals, and SMED cuts setup times; none of them directly determine the optimal worker count to achieve an even workload across tasks.

Line balancing is about spreading work evenly across the production line so every station shares a similar workload and the process can run at a steady pace. The pace is set by takt time—the rate at which you must complete units to meet demand. By listing each task, its time, and any task order constraints, you shape a cycle time and then assign tasks to stations to keep each station busy for roughly the same duration. This directly tells you how many workers (or stations) you need to meet that pace. Practically, you add up all the task times for one unit and divide by the cycle time; round up to determine the number of stations/workers necessary to maintain a balanced line and avoid bottlenecks.

Other techniques play different roles. Five S focuses on workplace organization and cleanliness, Kanban controls the flow of materials with signals, and SMED cuts setup times; none of them directly determine the optimal worker count to achieve an even workload across tasks.