Which method ensures a work center is not overloaded by assigning only what can be completed in a period and often uses computer-based leveling?

• A. Finite loading
• B. Load balancing
• C. Heijunka
• D. Capacity loading

Answer: (A)

Finite loading concentrates on the real capacity of a work center for a specific period and assigns only what can actually be completed in that time. By tying the released work to the available hours and resources, it prevents overloading and the resulting delays or overtime. Computer-based leveling often accompanies this approach, automatically distributing the constrained workload across periods to smooth peaks and keep capacity within bounds.

This is different from general load balancing, which aims to even out work across resources but doesn't necessarily impose a strict per-period limit. Heijunka is broader production leveling to smooth overall mix and volume over time, not solely about ensuring a single period’s load fits capacity. Capacity loading relates to loading work based on available capacity, but finite loading specifically enforces the completion constraint within the period and uses leveling to distribute that constrained load.