Desired Output Rate: The goal of li

Desired Output Rate: The goal of line balancing is to match the output rate to the staffing or production plan. For example, if the plan calls for 4,800 units or customers per week and the line operates 80 hours per week, the desired output rate ideally would be 60 units or customers (4,800/80) per hour. Matching output to the plan ensures on-time delivery and prevents buildup of unwanted inventory or customer delays. However, managers should avoid rebalancing a line too frequently because each time a line is rebalanced many workers’ jobs on the line must be redesigned, temporarily hurting productivity and sometimes even requiring a new detailed layout for some stations.