Two Manufacturing Processes Are Being Considered for Making a New

question 151

Essay

Two manufacturing processes are being considered for making a new product. Process #1 is less capital intensive, with fixed costs of $50,000 per year and variable costs of $700 per unit. Process #2 has fixed costs of $400,000 annually, with variable costs of $200 per unit.
a. What is the break-even quantity for the two processes?
b. If annual sales are expected to be 600 units, which process should be selected?
c. If lowest overall costs per year is your overall objective, for what range of annual production quantities should you select Process #1? Process #2?
d. Operations and Engineering have found a way to reduce the cost of Process #2, such that the fixed costs for this process decrease from $400,000 to $300,000 annually. All other costs remain the same (Process #1 fixed = $50,000 / year, Process #1 variable = $700 / unit, Process #2 variable = $200 / unit). What is the new break even quantity between the two processes?
e. Does this change the process selection for the annual sales volume of 600 units? If so, for what range of annual production quantities should you select Process #1 and Process #2?

---

Definitions:

Supply Chain

The network of all the individuals, organizations, resources, activities, and technology involved in the creation and sale of a product, from the delivery of source materials from the supplier to the manufacturer through to its eventual delivery to the end user.

Responsiveness

The ability of a company or organization to quickly and effectively respond to customer needs, changes in the market, or operational challenges.

Key Success Factor

Critical elements or factors that are essential for an organization to achieve its business objectives and be successful.

Core Competency

Fundamental strength or advantage that a business possesses, central to its operations and critical to its long-term success.