Question

• Q1a: What are the key differences between "work stations" and "work cells" at Wheeled Coach? You need to draw a Flowchart to explain your answer.
• Q1b: How does Wheeled Coach manage the tasks to be performed at each work station?
• Q1c: Why do you think major auto manufacturers do not build ambulances?

Answer 1

Answer 1a :

Workstation Vs Workcell:

A work station is a location on the production floor where a particular task is performed. For example, a work station can be a cutting machine, or manual tools used to perform finishing tasks. Work stations are generally named according to the machine or tools used to complete the specific task.

A work cell is a group of related workstations. Standard practice is to name a work cell according to the location on the shop floor containing specific workstations or after a group of workstations used to perform a similar job.

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The end-to-end production flowchart is shown below which depicts how the work cells feed the assembly line:

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Answer 1b :

The manufacturing company has laid down an assembly line that depicts the steps and corresponding timelines. The work cells would be designed in keeping with the steps in the assembly line and corresponding schedule plan.

1. Aluminum bodies work cell feeds into Metal fabrication step which is prior to entering the Assembly line
2. Painting work cell feeds into the Paint shop which is prior to entering the Assembly line
3. Electrical wiring work cell feeds into Electrical shop on Day 1 of the Assembly line
4. Cabinet work cell feeds into Carpenter shop on Day 2 of the Assembly line
5. Windows work cell feeds into Windows & Lighting stage on Day 3 of the Assembly line
6. Upholstery work cell feeds into Upholstery stage on Day 4 of the Assembly line

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Answer 1c :

An ambulance is a specialty vehicle. The manufacturing of ambulance involves a build-to-order and requires a lot of customization due to which the delivery throughput is only 20 ambulances per week. In contrast, major auto manufacturers like GM, TOY, HON, etc. produce standard products with standard variants. On average, major auto manufacturers produce anywhere between 2500-3000 units per week. So, they have to maintain highly automated production lines with almost zero customization. Thus the business model for manufacturing ambulance and major auto manufacturers is completely different. As a result, major auto manufacturers do not manufacture ambulance but just supply their chassis to companies which specializes in those type of vehicles.

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