Intended learning outcomes: Describe the analysis of the load profile and the cumulative load profile.
The cumulative illustration of loads and capacities along the time axis presented in Figure 14.2.3.1 is also suitable for analyzing the load profile. We can see the overload or underload along the vertical axis, between the curves for capacity and load. The maximum possible movement of the load in one or the other direction can also be seen along the horizontal axis.
Fig. 14.2.3.1 Analysis of the load profile.
The load profile displays easily, directly, and accurately the overload and underload that would arise if our scheduling assumptions were totally accurate. Everything covered up to this point is not capacity planning, strictly speaking. However, the farther into the future we can identify the overload or underload, the less it need occur in reality, since the calculated operation start dates may be incorrect as a result of upstream bottleneck capacities, unplanned reworking, or unplanned operations due to rush orders, for example.
Continuation in next subsection (14.2.3b).
Course section 14.2: Subsections and their intended learning outcomes
14.2 Infinite Loading
Intended learning outcomes: Present load profile calculation and problems associated with algorithms for load profile calculation. Explain methods of balancing capacity and load. Describe order-wise infinite loading.
14.2.1 Load Profile Calculation
Intended learning outcomes: Explain an example of a work-center-load profile. Present an example of a load profile known as an overload or underload curve along the time axis.
14.2.2 Problems Associated with Algorithms for Load Profile Calculation
Intended learning outcomes: Describe the problem of calculating capacity per load period. Explain the problem of load assignment for one operation during the load periods. Present the issue of calculating the load in a given time period when various operations occur only partly within the time period.
14.2.3 The Cumulative Load Profile
Intended learning outcomes: Describe the analysis of the load profile and the cumulative load profile.
14.2.3b Adapting Capacity to Load Rather Than Load Leveling
Intended learning outcomes: Explain possible strategies for capacity planning, in case of a trend toward persistent overload or underload, or in case of frequent and infrequent self-compensating fluctuations. Differentiate between adapting capacity to load and load leveling. Present an evaluation of the technique. Identify its limitations and typical areas of application.
14.2.4 Order-Wise Infinite Loading
Intended learning outcomes: Describe order-wise infinite loading. Identify the suitability of order-wise infinite loading.
