Which concept uses planned inputs and outputs for each work center developed by CRP and approved by management, with actual inputs compared to planned to identify variances?

• A. Infinite loading
• B. Capacity requirements planning
• C. Input/output control (I/O)
• D. Jidoka

Answer: (C)

Input/output control focuses on aligning shop-floor execution with the approved plan by using planned inputs and outputs for each work center. The plan, developed through capacity requirements planning (CRP) and approved by management, sets the expected amount of work a center should take in and produce in a given period. On the floor, actual inputs entering the work center and actual outputs produced are measured and compared to the plan. The differences, or variances, reveal whether capacity is being under- or over-utilized, whether the work pace is off, or if yield differs from expectations. This variance information drives adjustments to schedules, resource allocation, or release of work to keep performance in line with the plan. In other concepts, one option involves loading work without capacity constraints, another focuses on calculating capacity needs rather than monitoring ongoing performance, and another centers on stopping the line to fix quality issues.