Consider the line-of-balance problem. Why should the conveyor time c be greater than the maximum time assigned at any station? What might happen if it were not?

In the line-of-balance problem, the goal is to ensure that each station in the manufacturing process is efficiently balanced without causing delays in the overall production. The conveyor time (c) is the amount of time needed for the conveyor to move a product to the next station. In an optimal system, the conveyor time should be greater than the maximum time assigned at any station.

If the conveyor time is not greater than the maximum time assigned at any station, then the entire production line may be forced to wait for the station with the longest processing time. This can lead to inefficiency and decreased production rates, as the other stations will be idle while waiting for the product to move along the conveyor. Furthermore, the station working on the product should complete its work before the next product arrives, so it is crucial to have conveyor time greater than the maximum time assigned to a particular station.

If the conveyor time is not greater than the maximum time assigned at any station, several problems may occur: 1. Production Delays: The station with the longest processing time will cause delays in the production line, affecting the overall performance of the system. 2. Idle Time: Other stations may have to wait for an extended period, leading to increased idle times and inefficiencies. 3. Bottlenecks: The station with the longest processing time may become a bottleneck in the production process, preventing the system from reaching its full capacity. To avoid these negative consequences, it is crucial to ensure that the conveyor time is greater than the maximum time assigned at any station in the line-of-balance problem. This will help maintain optimal production rates and minimize idle time and bottlenecks within the system.