PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

LOB Technique
By Arun Mishra

LOB Technique

Line-of

-Balance Technique: A technique used in production scheduling and control to determine at a review date, not only how many of an item should have been completed by that date, but also how many should have passed through the up-stream operation stages by that time, so as to ensure the completion of the required delivery schedule. It is a chart & computational technique for monitoring & controlling products & services that are made to meet specific delivery schedule.

Benefits of LOB Technique

Enforces planning discipline & enables control to be exercised at each stage of the production line. Prevents any feeling of false security which might be engendered if the delivery of an item is on schedule but unappreciated shortfalls at early stages are building up trouble. Enables identification of short falls or even excessive production or purchasing levels, so that corrective action can be taken in good time. Products and services are produced to specific delivery schedules, production involves many processing steps & production lead times are long.

Stages of LOB Technique

Preparation of operation programme or assembly chart. Preparation of cumulative completion/ delivery schedule or objective chart. Construction of LOB chart. Analysis of progress and corrective action.

Work Study-Method Study

Work Study-Method Study

Work study method was developed to improve performance of a given work. Work study is defined as the body of knowledge concerned with analysis of the work methods, and the standard of proposed work methods. The purpose of work study is to determine the best or most effective method of accomplishing a necessary operation. Objectives of work study are:

To analyse the present method of doing a job, in order to develop a new & better method. To measure the work content of a job by measuring the time required by a qualified worker & to establish standard time. To increase the productivity by ensuring the best possible use of human, machine & material resources. To improve operational efficiency.

Relationship of Time and Motion Study to Work Study

Time

study and motion study are results of practices developed by F.W. Taylor, Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. Time study: Exercising control over the output in respect of a job by setting standards for performance. Time study may be used to compare the effectiveness of alternative work methods.

Steps Involved in Work Study

Method Study or Methods Analysis

Method

study is a scientific technique of observing, recording & critically examining the present method of performing a job or operation with the aim of improving the present method. It is also known as methods improvement. It is a means of developing and applying easier & more effective method & reducing cost. Prime objectives of method study is to eliminate wasteful and inefficient motions.

Method Study Procedure

Method study procedure involves six steps. Select the work to be studied. Record all relevant facts pertaining

to

existing method. Examine the recorded facts critically. Develop the improved method by generating the several alternatives. Install the improved method in 3 phases planning, arranging & implementing. Maintain the new method by ensuring the effective functioning of it.

Recording Techniques Used in Method Study

Process Charts used in Method Study 1. Outline process chart 2. Operation process chart 3. Flow process charts 4. Two handed process chart 5. Multiple activity chart 6. The man machine chart or worker-machine chart 7. Flow diagram 8. String diagram 9. Cyclic graph 10.SIMO chart (Simultaneous motion Chart)