Machines A, B, C, and D Have Been in Use

question 53

Essay

Machines A, B, C, and D have been in use for several years, while machine E is new. The following table provides data on the value of production of each job when performed on a specific machine.
a. Determine the set of assignments that maximizes production value.
b. What is the total production value of your assignments?
c. Which machine should be retired (i.e., gets no assignment)?
d. If they do retire one machine, will they be as profitable without it as with it? Explain. $$\begin{array} { | l | l | l | l | l | l | } \hline & { \text { Machine } } \\\hline \text { Job } & \text { A } & \text { B } & \text { C } & \text { D } & \text { E } \\1 & 27 & 29 & 28 & 30 & 40 \\ 2 & 30 & 32 & 31 & 34 & 46 \\3 & 33 & 25 & 29 & 26 & 37 \\4 & 29 & 31 & 24 & 28 & 28\\\hline\end{array}$$

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Definitions:

RFID

Radio-Frequency Identification, a technology used to remotely store and retrieve data using devices called RFID tags.

Computer Chips

Small electronic components containing integrated circuits used in computers and other electronic devices to perform various functions.

Special Scanner

A device designed to capture images or information not typically handled by general-purpose scanners.

Just-in-time Systems

Inventory management strategy aimed at increasing efficiency and decreasing waste by receiving goods only as they are needed in the production process.