9 trucks arrive per hour. It takes 6 minutes after reaching the loading station. Two alternatives to modify the situation. One is to change the trucks and add a helper at the loading station at a cost of 50,0000. This would change the arrival time of the trucks to 6 per hour and the filling time of 4 minutes. The second alternative would be to add another loading station at a cost of 80,000. Tricks would wait in line for the next available station. Which alternative is the better of the 2?

Question

9 trucks arrive per hour. It takes 6 minutes after reaching the loading station. Two alternatives to modify the situation. One is to change the trucks and add a helper at the loading station at a cost of 50,0000. This would change the arrival time of the trucks to 6 per hour and the filling time of 4 minutes. The second alternative would be to add another loading station at a cost of 80,000. Tricks would wait in line for the next available station. Which alternative is the better of the 2?

Answer 1

To determine which alternative is better, we need to compare the costs and benefits of each option. Let's break it down step by step:

1. Current Situation:
- Arrival rate: 9 trucks per hour.
- Filling time: 6 minutes per truck.

2. Alternative 1 - Change the trucks and add a helper at the loading station:
- Arrival rate: 6 trucks per hour.
- Filling time: 4 minutes per truck.
- Cost: $500,000.

To calculate the number of trucks processed per hour:
- In the current situation: 60 minutes / 6 minutes per truck = 10 trucks per hour.
- In alternative 1: 60 minutes / 4 minutes per truck = 15 trucks per hour.

The difference in the number of trucks processed per hour after implementing alternative 1 would be: 15 - 10 = 5 trucks.

3. Alternative 2 - Add another loading station:
- Arrival rate: Remains at 9 trucks per hour.
- Filling time: Remains at 6 minutes per truck.
- Cost: $80,000.

In this alternative, the waiting time for trucks in line will be reduced due to the additional loading station.

Now, let's compare the costs and benefits of each alternative:

Alternative 1:
- Cost: $500,000.
- Benefit: An additional 5 trucks processed per hour.

Alternative 2:
- Cost: $80,000.
- Benefit: Reduction in waiting time for trucks.

To determine which alternative is better, we need more information about the impact of reduced waiting time in alternative 2. If reducing waiting time significantly improves productivity or reduces losses, then alternative 2 might be a better choice despite the lower number of trucks processed per hour.

Without specific information on the benefits of reduced waiting time, it is challenging to determine the better alternative solely based on the information provided.