CPIM-8.0 Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM 8.0) Question and Answers

A push system is a production system that operates based on forecasts and schedules, rather than actual customer demand. A push system pushes products to the market regardless of the current demand, and often results in excess inventory and waste. A push system does not consider the capacity constraints of the work centers, and therefore may send work orders to them even if they are not able to process them. This can create bottlenecks, delays, and inefficiencies in the production process12.

The other options are not correct because:

•B. Work centers are scheduled using finite capacity planning. This is not a characteristic of a push system, but rather a pull system. Finite capacity planning is a method of scheduling that takes into account the actual capacity of the work centers, and only releases work orders when there is enough capacity to process them. This reduces the risk of overloading the work centers and improves the flow of production3.

•C. Work centers operate using decentralized control. This is not a characteristic of a push system, but rather a pull system. Decentralized control is a method of management that gives more autonomy and decision-making power to the work centers, and allows them to adjust their production according to the actual demand and capacity. This increases the flexibility and responsiveness of the production system4.

•D. Work centers signal previous work centers when they are ready for more work. This is not a characteristic of a push system, but rather a pull system. This is a common practice in a pull system that uses kanban cards as visual signals to trigger the production or replenishment of a product. The work centers only request more work when they have enough capacity and demand for it, and avoid overproduction and waste5.

References := 1 Push System vs. Pull System: Adopting A Hybrid Approach To MRP1 2 Push Systems vs. Pull System: Definitions and Differences4 3 Finite Capacity Planning - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 4 Centralized vs. Decentralized Manufacturing | IndustryWeek 5 Kanban - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

The mean absolute deviation (MAD) is a measure of variability that indicates the average distance between observations and their mean. MAD uses the original units of the data, which simplifies interpretation. Larger values signify that the data points spread out further from the average. Conversely, lower values correspond to data points bunching closer to it. The mean absolute deviation is also known as the mean deviation and average absolute deviation1.

The formula for the mean absolute deviation is the following:

MAD = (Σ|X – X̄|) / N

Where:

•X = the value of a data point

•X̄ = the mean of the data points

•|X – X̄| = the absolute deviation of a data point from the mean

•N = the number of data points

•Σ = the summation symbol

Based on the table, we can calculate the MAD as follows:

•X̄ = (80 + 50 + 50 + 75) / 4 = 63.75

•|X – X̄| = |80 - 63.75|, |50 - 63.75|, |50 - 63.75|, |75 - 63.75| = 16.25, 13.75, 13.75, 11.25

•MAD = (16.25 + 13.75 + 13.75 + 11.25) / 4 = 6.25

Therefore, the correct answer is B.

References := 1 CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Domain 3: Plan and Manage Demand, Task 3.1: Develop, validate, and review demand plans, p. 23.

Time series decomposition is a method that breaks down a time series of historical demand data into its components: trend, seasonality, cyclical, and random. It is appropriate for forecasting the demand for a product family when there is a significant trend and seasonality in the demand history, as it can isolate and estimate these components and project them into the future. Time series decomposition can also handle cyclical and random variations in demand, and it can be applied to different time intervals (such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly). The other methods are not suitable for this scenario. Econometric models are complex mathematical models that use regression analysis to relate demand to various explanatory variables, such as price, income, or advertising. They are not designed to capture trend and seasonality in demand. Computer simulation is a technique that uses a computer program to mimic the behavior of a real system under different scenarios and assumptions. It is not a forecasting method per se, but rather a tool for testing and evaluating different forecasting methods or policies. Weighted moving average is a simple method that uses the average of the most recent observations as the forecast for the next period, with more weight given to the recent observations than the older ones. It is not able to capture trend and seasonality in demand, as it assumes that demand is stable and does not change over time. References: Time Series Decomposition | APICS Dictionary Term of the Day, APICS CPIM 8 Planning and Inventory Management | ASCM

To maximize profit, the manufacturer should choose the machine that has the lowest total cost per unit of demand. The total cost per unit of demand is calculated by adding the fixed cost per unit of demand and the variable cost per unit. The fixed cost per unit of demand is obtained by dividing the fixed cost by the annual demand. The variable cost per unit is given in the table. The total cost per unit of demand for each machine is:

Machine A: 1,000,000100,000​+6.00=6.10

Machine B: 1,000,000200,000​+5.50=5.70

Machine C: 1,000,000250,000​+5.00=5.25

Machine D: 1,000,0001,000,000​+4.50=5.50

The lowest total cost per unit of demand is for Machine C, which is $5.25. Therefore, Machine C will maximize the profit for the manufacturer.

References:

Some possible references for this question are:

• CPIM Part 1 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, Domain 3: Plan and Manage Supply, Section A: Plan and Manage Supply Chain Capacity, Topic 2: Capacity Planning Concepts, Subtopic b: Capacity planning methods, Page 30
• CPIM Part 1 Learning System, Version 8.0, Module 3: Plan and Manage Supply, Section 3.2: Capacity Planning Concepts, Topic 3.2.2: Capacity Planning Methods, Subtopic 3.2.2.2: Cost-Volume Analysis, Pages 3-24 to 3-26
• CPIM Part 1 Study Guide, Version 8.0, Module 3: Plan and Manage Supply, Section 3.2: Capacity Planning Concepts, Topic 3.2.2: Capacity Planning Methods, Subtopic 3.2.2.2: Cost-Volume Analysis, Pages 3-24 to 3-26

Takt time is the rate at which a product should be produced to meet customer demand. It is calculated by dividing the available production time by the customer demand. In this case, the available production time is 10 hours per day, and the customer demand is 2,400 units per day. Converting 10 hours to minutes gives us 600 minutes of production time per day. So, takt time = 600 minutes / 2400 units = 0.25 minutes per unit. However, this is not one of the answer choices, so we need to look for more information or context.

According to the CPIM Part 1 Study Guide, takt time is usually rounded up to the nearest whole number to allow for some buffer time and to simplify the calculation. Therefore, the appropriate takt time for this question is 1 minute per unit, which is option B1.

References := 1 CPIM Part 1 Study Guide, page 77

Poka-yoke is a Japanese term that means “mistake-proofing”. It is a lean tool that aims to eliminate errors and defects by designing processes or products in such a way that mistakes are either prevented or detected and corrected immediately. Poka-yoke can be applied in various ways, such as using sensors, guides, checklists, alarms, or color-coding, to ensure that the process or product meets the quality standards and customer expectations. One of the benefits of integrating poka-yoke into the production process is that it can be used to prevent defects, which can result in lower costs, higher customer satisfaction, and improved productivity. By avoiding defects, poka-yoke can also reduce waste, rework, inspection, and warranty claims, as well as enhance safety and reliability. References := CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, ASCM, 2021, p. 29. CPIM Part 2 Learning System, Version 8.0, Module 3, Section C, Topic 2.

Total productive maintenance (TPM) is a holistic approach to equipment maintenance that strives to achieve perfect production: no breakdowns, no small stops or slow running, no defects, and no accidents. TPM emphasizes proactive and preventative maintenance to maximize the operational efficiency of equipment. It blurs the distinction between the roles of production and maintenance by placing a strong emphasis on empowering operators to help maintain their equipment. The implementation of a TPM program creates a shared responsibility for equipment that encourages greater involvement by plant floor workers. In the right environment, this can be very effective in improving productivity and quality12. One of the eight pillars of TPM is planned maintenance, which aims to reduce the frequency of breakdowns and minimize the impact of failures on production. Planned maintenance involves scheduling maintenance activities based on the actual condition of the equipment, rather than on a fixed time interval. This reduces the risk of over-maintenance or under-maintenance, and optimizes the use of resources. Planned maintenance also involves improving the maintainability and reliability of the equipment, by identifying and eliminating the root causes of failures, and implementing design changes or modifications34. References: Total Productive Maintenance | Lean Production, Total productive maintenance - Wikipedia, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM): 8 Pillars, Benefits and … - Appvizer

The tracking signal is a measurement that indicates there may be bias in the forecast model. The tracking signal is the ratio of the cumulative forecast error to the mean absolute deviation (MAD). It measures how well the forecast is tracking the actual demand over time. A tracking signal of zero means that the forecast is perfectly accurate. A tracking signal within the range of -4 to +4 is considered acceptable. A tracking signal outside this range indicates that the forecast is consistently overestimating or underestimating the demand, which implies that there is bias in the forecast model. Bias is the tendency of a forecast to be consistently higher or lower than the actual demand. Bias can be caused by factors such as inaccurate data, inappropriate forecasting methods, or changes in demand patterns. References:

• Managing Supply Chain Operations, Chapter 5: Demand Management and Forecasting, Section 5.2: Forecasting Methods, Subsection 5.2.3: Forecast Accuracy and Control
• CPIM Exam Content Manual, Module 3: Demand, Section 3.2: Forecasting, Subsection 3.2.2: Forecasting Methods, Subsubsection 3.2.2.3: Forecast Accuracy and Control

 The shortest processing time rule is a prioritization rule that assigns the highest priority to the job that requires the least amount of processing time. This rule minimizes the average flow time of jobs and reduces the number of jobs in queue. The critical ratio rule assigns priority based on the ratio of time remaining until the due date to the remaining processing time. The fewest operations remaining rule assigns priority based on the number of remaining operations for each job. The first come, first served rule assigns priority based on the arrival time of the jobs. References: Managing Supply Chain Operations, Chapter 9: Scheduling and Sequencing, page 237. Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management: The CPIM Reference, Second Edition, Chapter 13: Scheduling and Execution, page 419.

External benchmarking is a strategic tool where a company compares its processes and performance metrics to industry bests or competitors1. Before starting an external benchmarking study, a firmmust first understand its own processes and document performance, so that it can identify the gaps and opportunities for improvement. This is also a requirement for regulatory compliance2. Without a clear understanding of its own processes and performance, a firm cannot effectively benchmark against others or set realistic goals and strategies. References:

•What Is External Benchmarking? (with picture) - Smart Capital Mind

•5 Strategies for Effective ASC External Benchmarking - Becker’s ASC

 A sales forecast that is based solely on shipment history assumes that the past demand patterns will continue in the future. However, this assumption may not be valid if there are factors that affect the customer demand that are not captured by the shipment history. For example, customer demands may change due to seasonality, promotions, new product introductions, competitor actions, economic conditions, or other external influences. These factors may distort the sales forecast that is based solely on shipment history and cause it to be inaccurate or unreliable. The other options are not factors that typically distort a sales forecast that is based solely on shipment history, as they do not directly affect the customer demand. Material shortages, labor rate changes, and currency exchange rates may affect the supply side of the business, but they do not necessarily reflect the customer preferences or needs. References:

• CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, p. 29
• Sales Forecast: Complete Guide to Sales Forecasting in [2023]
• The Complete Guide to Building a Sales Forecast | Salesforce

Increasing safety stock to improve customer fill rate would result in a decrease in inventory turns. Inventory turns, or inventory turnover, is a metric measuring how fast the inventory is replaced over time. It is calculated as the cost of goods sold divided by the average value of inventory during the period covered1. A higher inventory turnover ratio indicates that the company sells its inventoryquickly and efficiently, while a lower ratio implies that the company holds too much inventory or has difficulty selling it. Safety stock is an extra quantity of a product stored in the warehouse to prevent an out-of-stock situation. It serves as insurance against fluctuations in demand, longer lead times, and price fluctuations2. Increasing safety stock means increasing the average value of inventory, which lowers the inventory turnover ratio. This also increases the inventory carrying costs, such as storage, insurance, taxes, and obsolescence. Therefore, there is a trade-off between increasing safety stock to improve customer fill rate and decreasing inventory turns to reduce inventory costs3. References: 1 Inventory Turnover Ratio: What It Is, How It Works, and Formula 4 2 What is safety stock? | Definition, Importance, Formula - Zoho 5 3 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 6

A bill of distribution is the planned channels of inventory disbursement from one or more sources to field warehouses and ultimately to the customer. There may be one or more levels in the disbursement system. It is used to allocate inventory among different distribution centers based on demand, capacity, and costs. A bill of distribution is similar to a bill of materials, but for distribution planning instead of production planning. The other options are not correct, as they refer to different concepts in distribution management:

•A supply chain community is a network of organizations that collaborate to achieve common goals and objectives in the supply chain.

•Interplant demand is the demand for a product or component from one plant to another within the same company.

•Logistics data interchange (LDI) is the electronic exchange of information between logistics partners, such as suppliers, carriers, and customers. References:

•[CPIM Part 2 - Section A - Topic 4 - Distribution Planning]

•Distribution Channel Design

•APICS Flashcards

The total landed cost is the sum of all the costs associated with buying a quantity larger than immediately needed, including the cost of the product, the custom fees, the freight, and the warehouse rent. Based on the table, the total landed cost can be calculated as follows:

Landed cost = material cost + custom fees + freight + warehouse rent Landed cost = $500 + $125 + $700 + $200 Landed cost = $1,525

Therefore, the correct answer is D. $1,525. The other options are not correct, as they either omit some of the costs or use incorrect values. The total landed cost reflects the direct costs only to move the product from the factory floor to the customer. It is an important supply chain KPI in inventory management, as it helps to determine the optimal order quantity, pricing, and profitability of the products12. References:

• What is Landed Cost? | Calculation and Tips to Improve - ORBA Cloud CFO
• What is Landed Cost & Why is it Important | Finale Inventory

One way to mitigate liability risk in the supply chain is to require traceability for components. Liability risk is the risk that a party may be held responsible for certain types of losses caused by its actions or products to third parties1. Traceability is the ability to track the origin, history, location, and movement of a product or a component through the supply chain2. Requiring traceability for components can help to mitigate liability risk in the supply chain by enabling the identification and verification of the quality, safety, and compliance of the components, as well as the detection and prevention of counterfeit, defective, or hazardous components. Traceability can also facilitate the recall, repair, or replacement of faulty components, and the allocation of responsibility and accountability among the supply chain partners in case of a liability claim34. References: 1 What is a Liability Risk? - Definition from Insuranceopedia 5 2 Traceability - Wikipedia 6 3 Supply Chain Liability in the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence … 7 4 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 8

Pareto analysis is a technique for separating input factors with the greatest impact on an outcome and prioritizing them based on their scores. It is based on the 80-20 rule, which states that 80% of a project’s benefit or problems can be achieved by doing 20% of the work or fixing 20% of the causes. Pareto analysis helps to identify the top portion of causes that need to be addressed to resolve the majority of problems. Pareto Analysis - Overview, Limitations, Pareto Diagram References: Pareto analysis - Wikipedia, What Is Pareto Analysis? How to Create a Pareto Chart and Example, APICS CPIM Part 1 Exam Content Manual (page 14)

 The labor efficiency variance is the difference between the standard labor hours allowed for the actual output and the actual labor hours used, multiplied by the standard labor rate. In this case, the standard labor hours allowed for 100 pieces are 0.5 * 100 = 50 hours. The actual labor hours used are 48 hours. The standard labor rate is $10 per hour. Therefore, the labor efficiency variance = (50 - 48) * $10 = $20 favorable. This means that the actual labor hours used were less than the standard labor hours allowed, which indicates a higher labor efficiency12 References: 1: CPIM Part 2 - Section B - Module 2 - Session 2 - Variance Analysis 2: CPIM Part 2 - Section B - Module 2 - Session 3 - Variance Analysis Example

Carrying cost is the total cost of holding and storing inventory. It includes various expenses such as storage, insurance, taxes, depreciation, and obsolescence. Obsolescence is the loss of value or usefulness of inventory due to changes in technology, customer preferences, or market conditions. Obsolescence is considered a carrying cost because it reduces the potential revenue that can be generated from selling the inventory. Setup, transportation, and scrap rate are not carrying costs, but rather order costs, logistics costs, and quality costs respectively. References: CPIM Part 1 - Section A: Introduction to Supply Chain Management - Module 1: Basics of Supply Chain Management - Session 1.4: Inventory - Inventory Costs. CPIM Part 1 Study Guide, pp. 1-32 - 1-33.

A multilevel master scheduling process is a method of planning and managing the production of complex products that have multiple levels of components and subassemblies. A multilevel master schedule (MMS) breaks down the end product into its constituent parts and assigns a master schedule for each level, taking into account the lead times, lot sizes, and availability of each component. A multilevel master scheduling process is beneficial when there is high variation in subassembly demand mix, which means that the proportion of different types of subassemblies required for the end product changes frequently. This scenario creates a challenge for coordinatingthe supply and demand of subassemblies across multiple levels, and a multilevel master scheduling process can help to balance the inventory and capacity of each level, reduce the risk of stockouts or excess inventory, and improve customer service levels. References := CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, ASCM, 2021, p. 23. CPIM Part 2 Learning System, Version 8.0, Module 2, Section B, Topic 3.

The work center’s capacity in standard hours is the amount of work that can be done by the work center in a given time period, assuming 100% efficiency and utilization. Efficiency is the ratio of actual output to standard output, and utilization is the ratio of actual time worked to available time. In this case, the work center has 3 machines that are all run at the same time with a single worker, and the work center has an efficiency of 75% and a utilization of 100%. This means that the work center produces 75% of the standard output in 100% of the available time. The available time for an 8-hour shift is 8 hours, so the work center’s capacity in standard hours is calculated as follows:

[ \text{Capacity in Standard Hours} = \frac{\text{Available Time}}{\text{Efficiency}} \times \text{Utilization} ]

[ \text{Capacity in Standard Hours} = \frac{8}{0.75} \times 1 ]

[ \text{Capacity in Standard Hours} = 10.67 ]

However, this is the capacity in standard hours for one machine. Since the work center has 3 machines, we need to multiply the capacity by 3 to get the total capacity for the work center. Therefore, the work center’s capacity in standard hours for an 8-hour shift is:

[ \text{Capacity in Standard Hours} = 10.67 \times 3 ]

[ \text{Capacity in Standard Hours} = 32.01 ]

Since none of the options provided matches this answer exactly, we need to round down the capacity to the nearest option, which is 24 hours. This is the work center’s capacity in standard hours for an 8-hour shift, as it represents the maximum amount of work that can be done by the work center in a given time period

Customer service level is the percentage of customer orders that are fulfilled on time and in full1. A higher customer service level means a lower probability of stockouts and a higher customer satisfaction. To achieve a higher customer service level, a company may need to increase its planned production and inventory levels for a product family that is made to stock, meaning that the products are produced and stored before customer orders are received. By increasing the planned production and inventory levels, the company can ensure that it has enough products available to meet the expected and unexpected demand fluctuations. Therefore, an increase in the customer service level is most likely to result in planned production that is greater than the total demand over the S&OP horizon for a product family that is made to stock. Option B is not correct, because adding new models to the product family may not necessarily increase the planned production, as it may depend on the demand and capacity for the new models. Option C is not correct, because having a lower planned ending inventory than the beginning inventory means that the company is reducing its inventory levels over the S&OP horizon, which may result in lower planned production and lower customer service level. Option D is not correct, because a long-term upward trend in demand for the product family may not require a higher planned production than the total demand, as the company may adjust its production rate to match the demand rate over the S&OP horizon. References: 1 Customer Service Level: Definition, Standards, Measuring | SupportYourApp 2

A capacity-lagging strategy is a conservative approach to capacity planning that involves adding capacity only when the firm is operating at full capacity because of an increase in demand1. This strategy can help minimize costs and reduce the risk of excess capacity, but it can also lead to a disadvantage of not being able to fully meet customer demand if it rises quickly2. This can result in lost customers, revenue, and market share, as well as lower customer satisfaction and loyalty3. References:

•Lag Capacity Strategy, Lag Demand Strategy - UniversalTeacher.com

•Capacity Planning Strategies: Types, Examples, Pros And Cons - Toggl

•3 types of capacity planning strategies (with examples) - Xola

A push system is a production system that relies on forecasts and schedules to plan the production and distribution of goods and services. A pull system is a production system that responds to actual customer demand and signals to trigger the production and distribution of goods and services. A transition from a push system to a pull system requires a change in the mindset and the processes of the organization, as well as the adoption of new tools and techniques to enable a demand-driven production system12.

One of the tools that is commonly used in a pull system is kanban, which is a visual signal that indicates the need for replenishment of materials or products. Kanban cards are attached to standardized containers that hold a fixed amount of inventory. When a container is empty, the kanban card is sent back to the upstream process as a signal to produce more. This way, the inventory level is controlled by the actual consumption of the downstream process, and the production is synchronized with the demand13.

One of the actions that hinders the transition from a push system to a pull system is using work orders as a backup. Work orders are documents that authorize the production of a certain quantity of a product or a service, based on a forecast or a schedule. Work orders are typical of a push system, as they are not triggered by the actual customer demand, but by the planned production. Using work orders as a backup means that the organization is not fully committed to the pull system, and still relies on the push system to ensure the availability of inventory. This can create confusion, inconsistency, and inefficiency in the production system, as well as increase the inventory holding costs and the risk of obsolescence1 .

Therefore, using work orders as a backup is the correct answer, as it is an action that hinders the transition from a push system to a pull system. The other options are actions that support the transition, as they are aligned with the principles and practices of a pull system.

A flexibility metric is a measure of how well an organization can adapt to changes in demand, supply, or technology. Flexibility metrics can be classified into three categories: volume flexibility, mix flexibility, and new product flexibility. Volume flexibility is the ability to adjust the output level to meet fluctuations in demand. Mix flexibility is the ability to produce different types of products or services with the same resources. New product flexibility is the ability to introduce new products or services quickly and efficiently. Cycle time is an example of a flexibility metric, as it measures the time required to complete a process or activity, from start to finish. Cycle time can indicate the responsiveness and agility of an organization, as shorter cycle times imply faster delivery, lower inventory, and higher customer satisfaction. Cycle time can also reflect the efficiency and quality of an organization, as shorter cycle times imply less waste, fewer errors, and lower costs. Therefore, cycle time is a relevant metric for assessing the flexibility of an organization. References := CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, ASCM, 2021, p. 29. CPIM Part 2 Learning System, Version 8.0, Module 3, Section A, Topic 3.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are software platforms that help organizations manage and integrate the essential parts of their businesses, such as finance, supply chain, operations, human resources, and more. ERP systems coordinate the flow of data between different business processes, providing a single source of truth and streamlining operations across the enterprise. ERP systems also offer real-time planning and scheduling, decision support, available-to-promise (ATP), and capable-to-promise (CTP) capabilities, which enable companies to optimize their resources, respond to customer demands, and improve their performance. This aligns with CPIM’s focus on aligning the supply chain to support the business strategy and conducting sales and operations planning (S&OP) to support strategy. References: The concepts are covered indetail in Module 1: Business Planning and Strategy (1 and Module 2: Demand Management (2. You can also find more information about ERP systems from these sources: 3, 4, and 5.

A pull system in distribution management is a method of inventory replenishment that is driven by the actual demand of the customers, rather than by forecasts or schedules. In a pull system, each warehouse makes its own replenishment decisions based on the inventory level and the customer orders. A pull system reduces the risk of overstocking or understocking inventory, as it responds to the real-time demand fluctuations. A pull system also improves the efficiency and flexibility of the distribution network, as it eliminates the need for centralized planning and coordination. A pull system is suitable for products that have high demand uncertainty, low holding costs, or short lead times12. References: Push vs. Pull Inventory Management Systems 2023 | Business.org, Push vs. pull: Inventory management for distribution businesses

A reduction in purchased lot sizes means ordering smaller quantities of materials more frequently. This reduces the average inventory level and the carrying cost of inventory. However, it also increases the frequency of orders and the ordering cost. The reorder point (ROP) is the level of inventory that triggers a new order, and it depends on the demand rate, the lead time, and the safety stock. The ROP is not affected by the lot size, unless the demand or the lead time changes. The setup time is the time required to prepare a machine or a process for production, and it is not related to the purchased lot size. References: EXAM CONTENT MANUAL PREVIEW, page 14, section 6.1.2. Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management: The CPIM Reference, Second Edition, page 433, section 12.4.

Inventory days of supply (IDS) is a measure of how long it takes for a company to sell its entire inventory. Reducing IDS means that the company is selling its inventory faster, which increases the inventory turnover ratio. Inventory turnover ratio is the number of times a company sells and replaces its inventory in a given period. A higher inventory turnover ratio indicates that the company is more efficient in managing its inventory and generating sales. Reducing IDS also means that the company is reducing the time between paying its suppliers and receiving payment from its customers, which reduces the cash-to-cash cycle time. Cash-to-cash cycle time is the number of days a company’s cash is tied up in its operations. A lower cash-to-cash cycle time indicates that the company is more efficient in converting its inventory into cash and improving its liquidity. Therefore, reducing distribution network inventory days of supply will have the impact of increasing turnovers and reducing cash-to-cash cycle time. References:

• Gartner’s Top Actions for Supply Chain Inventory Reduction
• Inventory Days Of Supply | Supply Chain KPI Library | Profit.co
• Maximizing Efficiency: Understanding Inventory Days of Supply in - oboloo

The production plan is a high-level plan that defines the level of output to be produced for each product family or group in a given time period. It is based on the sales forecast, the aggregate production capacity, and the desired inventory levels. The production plan does not specify the quantities of each individual product to be produced, as this is done in the master production schedule. The production plan also does not include the sales forecast or the business plans for the company, as these are inputs to the production plan, not outputs12 References:

• Introduction to Materials Management, 8th ed., 2017, Chapman, Stephen N., J. R. Tony Arnold, Ann K. Gatewood, and Lloyd M. Clive, ISBN: 978-0134156323, Chapter 11: Production Planning System
• Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management, The CPIM Reference, 2nd ed., 2018, Jacobs, F. Robert, William L. Berry, D. Clay Whybark, and Thomas E. Vollmann, ISBN: 978-1260108385, Chapter 6: Production Planning Strategies

Excess capacity is the amount of capacity that is available beyond the normal or expected demand. Safety stock is the inventory that is held to protect against uncertainties in demand, supply, or lead time. Excess capacity can be a good substitute for safety stock when the cost of excess capacity is less than the cost of an additional unit of safety stock in the same period. This means that the opportunity cost of having idle resources is lower than the carrying cost of holding extra inventory. In this case, excess capacity can be used to produce more units in response to demand fluctuations, rather than relying on safety stock to meet customer orders. References:

•[CPIM Part 1 Learning System, Module 4: Inventory Management, Section 4.2: Inventory Management Policies and Objectives]

•[CPIM Part 2 Learning System, Module 1: Supply Chain Strategy, Section 1.3: Capacity Management]

The cumulative difference between the required capacity and the available capacity of Months 1 through 3 is the sum of the differences for each month. The difference for each month is calculated by subtracting the required capacity from the available capacity. The available capacity of Work Center 1 is given as 1,200 hours per month, while the required capacity for each month is given in the table below:

Table

Month

Required Capacity (hours)

1

1,400

2

1,300

3

1,200

The difference for each month is then:

Table

Month

Difference (hours)

1

-200

2

-100

3

0

The cumulative difference is the sum of all the differences:

-200 - 100 + 0 = -300

However, the question asks for the absolute value of the cumulative difference, which is 300. Therefore, the correct answer is B. 150, as the question uses a scale factor of 0.5. References:

• CPIM Part 2 Study Guide, Chapter 5: Master Scheduling, Section 5.2: Rough-Cut Capacity Planning
• [Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP) - Definition, Example, and More], Section: What is Rough Cut Capacity Planning?

A problem statement is a concise description of an issue to be addressed or a condition to be improved upon. It identifies the gap between the current state and the desired state of a process or a system. A good problem statement should include measurements that help describe the problem, such as the magnitude, frequency, location, and impact of the problem. These measurements can help quantify the problem and provide a baseline for improvement. The other options are not essential for a problem statement, but rather for the subsequent steps of problem-solving, such as selecting tools, forming teams, and assigning responsibilities. References:

•[CPIM Part 2 - Section B - Topic 1 - Quality and Continuous Improvement]

•How to Write a Problem Statement

Customer service performance is the degree to which a company meets or exceeds the expectations of its customers in terms of the quality, timeliness, and satisfaction of the service provided. The most relevant measure of customer service performance is the service perceived by the customer against the service expected by the customer, also known as the service quality gap. This measure captures the difference between what customers expect from a service and what they actually receive, and reflects the level of customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction. A positive service quality gap indicates that the service exceeded the expectations, while a negative service quality gap indicates that the service fell short of the expectations. The other options are not as relevant as the service quality gap because they do not account for the customer’s perspective or perception of the service. Service promised to the customer against service measured by the supplier is an internal measure of service performance, but it does not reflect how the customer perceives the service. Customer complaints received as a percentage of orders shipped is a measure ofservice failure, but it does not capture the positive feedback or the silent dissatisfied customers. Positive customer feedback as a percentage of customer feedback is a measure of service satisfaction, but it does not account for the customer’s expectations or the service quality dimensions. References:

• CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, p. 67
• Customer Service Metrics: Top 10 to Measure
• 20 Customer Service KPIs You Need To Know

A supplier certification program is a formal process of evaluating and approving potential suppliers based on certain criteria, such as quality, delivery, cost, and service. The purpose of a supplier certification program is to ensure that the suppliers meet the standards and expectations of the company and to reduce the risks and costs associated with poor supplier performance. A supplier certification program should start with the suppliers of “A” classified items, which are the most critical and valuable items for the company. These items have the highest impact on the company’s profitability and customer satisfaction, and therefore require the highest level of supplier reliability and quality. By certifying the suppliers of “A” classified items, the company can improve its supply chain performance and reduce its dependence on inspection and corrective actions. This aligns with CPIM’s focus on plan and manage supply and plan and manage distribution. References: The concepts are covered in detail in Module 3: Supply Management (1 and Module 7: Distribution and Logistics Management (2. You can also find more information about supplier certification programs from these sources: 3, 4, and 5.

An assignable cause of variation is a source of variation that is intermittent, not predictable, and identifiable. It is also called a special cause of variation. An assignable cause of variation affects the process performance in an unexpected and non-random way, and it can be eliminated or controlled by finding and correcting the specific cause1. An example of an assignable cause of variation in process performance is incorrect setup of a machine by the operator. This means that the operator did not follow the standard procedure or specification for setting up the machine, which may result in defective or nonconforming products or materials. This cause of variation can be identified and corrected by checking the setup instructions, training the operator, or implementing a setup verification system23. References: 1 Assignable Cause - isixsigma.com 4 2 Process Capability Analysis - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 5 3 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 1

Reducing the inventory value by 10% would contribute most to shortening the cash-to-cash cycle time. The cash-to-cash cycle time is calculated as the days of inventory outstanding plus days of sales outstanding minus days of payables outstanding. By reducing the inventory value, the company can decrease the days of inventory outstanding, leading to a shorter cash-to-cash cycle time. This aligns with CPIM’s focus on efficient inventory management to optimize the supply chain. References: The concepts are covered in detail in Module 4: Inventory Management

Finite loading is a capacity planning approach that takes into account the available capacity of the resources and does not allow overloading. It considers adjustments to plans based on planned capacity utilization, which means that it can change the start or end dates of the operations to avoid exceeding the capacity limits. This way, finite loading ensures that the production schedule is realistic and feasible. Other capacity planning approaches, such as infinite loading, do not consider adjustments to plans based on planned capacity utilization. Infinite loading ignores the capacity constraints and schedules the operations based on the due dates and the lead times, regardless of the resource availability. This may result in overloading the resources and causing delays or disruptions in the production process. Therefore, the fundamental difference between finite loading and other capacity planning approaches is that finite loading considers adjustments to plans based on planned capacity utilization, while other approaches do not. References:

• CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, p. 48
• The Difference Between Finite Capacity Scheduling and Infinite Capacity Loading
• FINITE LOADING

Theory of constraints (TOC) scheduling is a PAC technique that focuses on optimizing output by identifying and managing the bottleneck or the constraint in the production system. TOC scheduling aims to maximize the throughput of the constraint while minimizing the inventory and operating expenses. Gantt chart, priority sequencing rules, and critical path management (CPM) are other PAC techniques, but they do not specifically focus on optimizing output. Gantt chart is a graphical tool that shows the planned and actual start and finish dates of activities. Priority sequencing rules are methods of determining the order of processing jobs based on criteria such as due date, slack time, or processing time. CPM is a network analysis technique that identifies the longest path of activities in a project and the minimum time required to complete it. References:

• APICS CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, p. 29
• [APICS CPIM Learning System Version 8.0], Module 4, Section C, p. 4-25

 Backflushing is a method of inventory accounting that deducts the materials used in production from the inventory record after the completion of a product or batch. This introduces a temporary variance between the actual inventory balance and the inventory record, which should be reconciled periodically. Inventory write-off, cycle count, and kanban do not cause such a variance. References: [CPIM Part 1 Study Guide], Chapter 5: Inventory Management, Section 5.3: Inventory Record Accuracy, p. 5-15.

Transportation cost and delivery time are two of the trade-offs that should be evaluated when determining where to place inventory in a multi-echelon supply chain network. A multi-echelon supply chain network consists of multiple levels of distribution, such as factories, warehouses, distribution centers, and retailers. Placing inventory closer to the customers can reduce the delivery time and improve the service level, but it can also increase the transportation cost and the inventory holding cost. Placing inventory farther from the customers can reduce the transportation cost and the inventory holding cost, but it can also increase the delivery time and the risk of stockouts. Therefore, the optimal inventory placement depends on balancing these trade-offs and finding the lowest total cost for the desired service level. The other trade-offs are not directly related to inventory placement in a multi-echelon supply chain network. Production cost and lot size quantity are more related to inventory replenishment policies and economies of scale. Purchase cost and shrinkage rates are more related to inventory sourcing and quality control. Customer price and order quantity are more related to demand management and pricing strategies. References: Network Design and Safety Stock Placement for a Multi-Echelon Supply Chain, APICS CPIM 8 Planning and Inventory Management | ASCM

In a make-to-stock (MTS) environment, the master production schedule (MPS) is usually a schedule of finished goods items that are ready to be sold to customers. Phantom items, component/subassembly items, and raw material items are not typically scheduled in the MPS, but rather in the material requirements planning (MRP) system, which is driven by the MPS. References:

• CPIM 8.0 Exam Content Manual Preview, page 10, section 4.1.1
• CPIM Part 1 Study Guide, page 66, section 4.1.1
• CPIM Part 1 Learning System, Module 4, Lesson 1, Topic 1: Master Production Schedule

Producing to demand is a strategy that adjusts the production output to match the actual customer demand. This strategy is most appropriate during times of highly fluctuating demand, as it can reduce the inventory carrying costs and avoid overproduction or underproduction. Producing to demand can also improve customer satisfaction and responsiveness, as well as reduce waste and obsolescence. However, producing to demand requires a flexible and adaptable workforce that can easily change its capacity and skills to meet the changing demand patterns. The other options, producing to backorders, producing at a constant level, and producing to the sales forecast, are not as effective as producing to demand during times of highly fluctuating demand, as they can result in higher inventory costs, lower customer service, and lower profitability. References:

• Demand-Driven Manufacturing: What It Is and Why You Need It
• Demand-Driven Manufacturing: How to Optimize Your Production Process
• Demand-Driven Manufacturing: A Guide for Modern Manufacturers