Finite loading definition
/What is Finite Loading?
Finite loading occurs when only a set amount of work is allocated to a work center, which is capped at its estimated capacity level. Doing so minimizes the queue of work waiting in front of a work center, which in turn reduces your inventory investment. Finite loading requires the use of detailed computer-based planning, based on the normal usage requirements of all jobs and the normal capacity levels of work centers. It is a good way to develop an initial production schedule.
Example of Finite Loading
A machine shop has a milling machine that operates 8 hours per day. The machine is already scheduled with jobs, and the scheduler cannot assign more work than the available hours. The current schedule is as follows:
Job A: Requires 3 hours, scheduled from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Job B: Requires 2 hours, scheduled from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Job C: Requires 2 hours, scheduled from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
This leaves 0.5 hours (30 minutes) of idle time for lunch (1:00 PM to 1:30 PM).
A new job, Job D, requires 2 hours in the machine shop. It cannot be scheduled for the same day, since only 30 minutes are available. The scheduler moves Job D to the next day at 8:00 AM, ensuring that the total workload does not exceed the machine's capacity.
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FAQs
How Does Finite Loading Differ from Infinite Loading?
Finite loading schedules production based on actual resource capacity, ensuring that no machine or workstation is overloaded. Infinite loading, on the other hand, assumes unlimited capacity and schedules all jobs as soon as possible, regardless of resource constraints. In essence, finite loading produces realistic schedules, while infinite loading provides theoretical plans.