CPIM-8.0 Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM 8.0) Questions and Answers

The total landed cost is the sum of all the costs associated with buying a quantity larger than immediately needed, including the cost of the product, the custom fees, the freight, and the warehouse rent. Based on the table, the total landed cost can be calculated as follows:

Landed cost = material cost + custom fees + freight + warehouse rent Landed cost = $500 + $125 + $700 + $200 Landed cost = $1,525

Therefore, the correct answer is D. $1,525. The other options are not correct, as they either omit some of the costs or use incorrect values. The total landed cost reflects the direct costs only to move the product from the factory floor to the customer. It is an important supply chain KPI in inventory management, as it helps to determine the optimal order quantity, pricing, and profitability of the products12. References:

What is Landed Cost? | Calculation and Tips to Improve - ORBA Cloud CFO

What is Landed Cost & Why is it Important | Finale Inventory

The order point is the level of inventory that triggers a replenishment order. By increasing the order point, the planner is increasing the average inventory level, which in turn increases the carrying cost. Carrying cost is the cost of holding inventory, such as storage, insurance, obsolescence, and opportunity cost. Ordering cost, landed cost, and product cost are not directly affected by the order point12. References: What is Inventory Reorder Point in Inventory Management? - Deskera, Reorder Point Defined: Formula & How to Use | NetSuite

In a rapidly changing business environment, a primary advantage of an effective customer relationship management (CRM) program is earlier identification of shifts in customer preferences. CRM is a strategy that focuses on building and maintaining long-term relationships with customers by understanding their needs, preferences, and behaviors. CRM enables organizations to anticipate and respond to changes in customer demand, improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, and increase profitability and competitiveness. CRM also helps organizations to segment and target customers based on their value and potential, and to customize products and services accordingly. CRM involves the use of various tools and techniques, such as data collection and analysis, communication channels, feedback mechanisms, and loyalty programs. References:

Managing Supply Chain Operations, Chapter 4: Customer Relationship Management, Section 4.1: Introduction to Customer Relationship Management

CPIM Exam Content Manual, Module 1: Supply Chains and Strategy, Section 1.2: Customer Relationship Management, Subsection 1.2.1: Customer Relationship Management Concepts

Mixed-model scheduling is a technique that produces different models of the same product family in the same production line or work center. One of the benefits of mixed-model scheduling is that it reduces the number of setups required, as the models share common components and processes. Fewer setups can lead to lower setup costs, higher productivity, and better utilization of resources. The other outcomes are not benefits of mixed-model scheduling. Increased inventory, improved demand response, and fewer material shortages are more related to other factors such as inventory policies, demand forecasting, and supply planning. References: Mixed Model Scheduling | APICS Dictionary Term of the Day, APICS CPIM 8 Planning and Inventory Management | ASCM

The tracking signal is a measurement that indicates there may be bias in the forecast model. The tracking signal is the ratio of the cumulative forecast error to the mean absolute deviation (MAD). It measures how well the forecast is tracking the actual demand over time. A tracking signal of zero means that the forecast is perfectly accurate. A tracking signal within the range of -4 to +4 is considered acceptable. A tracking signal outside this range indicates that the forecast is consistently overestimating or underestimating the demand, which implies that there is bias in the forecast model. Bias is the tendency of a forecast to be consistently higher or lower than the actual demand. Bias can be caused by factors such as inaccurate data, inappropriate forecasting methods, or changes in demand patterns. References:

Managing Supply Chain Operations, Chapter 5: Demand Management and Forecasting, Section 5.2: Forecasting Methods, Subsection 5.2.3: Forecast Accuracy and Control

CPIM Exam Content Manual, Module 3: Demand, Section 3.2: Forecasting, Subsection 3.2.2: Forecasting Methods, Subsubsection 3.2.2.3: Forecast Accuracy and Control

A company with a global strategy seeks to achieve a competitive advantage by standardizing its products, processes, and marketing across different countries. It leverages economies of scale and scope, as well as global brand recognition, to gain market share and profitability. It does not adapt to local preferences or conditions, but rather imposes a uniform approach to all markets. References: EXAM CONTENT MANUAL PREVIEW, page 6, section 1.1.2. Strategic Supply Chain Management: The Five Core Disciplines for Top Performance, Second Edition, page 19, section 1.2.

Fishbone diagrams would help a service organization determine the source of a quality-of-service issue. A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause-and-effect diagram or an Ishikawa diagram, is a tool for identifying and analyzing the root causes of a problem or an effect. It uses a fish-shaped diagram to display the potential causes of a problem in different categories, such as people, processes, equipment, environment, etc. A fishbone diagram can help a service organization to determine the source of a quality-of-service issue by allowing the organization to brainstorm and organize the possible factors that may affect the quality of the service delivered to the customers, such as staff training, customer feedback, service standards, equipment maintenance, etc. A fishbone diagram can also help the organization to prioritize and test the most likely causes, and to develop and implement solutions to improve the quality of service12. References: 1 What is a Fishbone Diagram? Ishikawa Cause & Effect Diagram | ASQ 3 2 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 1

The master scheduler has the authority to change the product mix in the master scheduling process. The product mix is the combination and proportion of different products or product families that the company offers to its customers. The master scheduler can adjust the product mix based on the customer demand, the production capacity, the inventory levels, and the strategic objectives of the company. The master scheduler can also use the product mix to balance the demand and supply, to optimize the resource utilization, and to maximize the profitability. The other options are not correct, as they are items that the master scheduler does not have the authority to change in the master scheduling process, but rather inputs or constraints that the master scheduler has to follow or consider:

Aggregate volume is the total quantity of products or product families that the company plans to produce and deliver in a given period. Aggregate volume is determined by the sales and operations planning (S & OP) process, which involves the senior management and the functional managers of the company. The master scheduler has to align the master production schedule (MPS) with the aggregate volume, and cannot change it without the approval of the S & OP team.

Engineering change effectivity date is the date when a change in the design or specification of a product or a component becomes effective. Engineering change effectivity date is determined by the engineering department, which is responsible for the product development and innovation. The master scheduler has to incorporate the engineering change effectivity date into the MPS, and cannot change it without the approval of the engineering department.

Customer order quantities are the amounts of products or product families that the customers order from the company. Customer order quantities are determined by the market demand and the customer preferences. The master scheduler has to satisfy the customer order quantities as much as possible, and cannot change them without the approval of the customers or the sales and marketing department. References:

[CPIM Part 2 - Section A - Topic 1 - Sales and Operations Planning]

Master Production Schedule (MPS)

Product Mix

Aggregate Planning

Engineering Change Management

Customer Order Management

Safety factor is a multiplier that is applied to the standard deviation of demand to determine the safety stock level. Safety factor remains constant while maintaining the same customer service level, as it reflects the desired probability of not stocking out. The higher the safety factor, the higher the customer service level, and vice versa. The other factors do not remain constant while maintaining the same customer service level. Reorder point (ROP) is the inventory level that triggers a replenishment order. ROP increases with increasing forecast error, as more safety stock is needed to cover the demand uncertainty. Safety stock is the inventory that is carried to protect against forecast errors and demand fluctuations. Safety stock increases with increasing forecast error, as more buffer is needed to avoid stockouts. Inventory investment is the total value of the inventory that is held in the system. Inventory investment increases with increasing forecast error, as more inventory is required to maintain the same customer service level. References: Safety Factor | APICS Dictionary Term of the Day, APICS CPIM 8 Planning and Inventory Management | ASCM

Time series decomposition is a method that breaks down a time series of historical demand data into its components: trend, seasonality, cyclical, and random. It is appropriate for forecasting the demand for a product family when there is a significant trend and seasonality in the demand history, as it can isolate and estimate these components and project them into the future. Time series decomposition can also handle cyclical and random variations in demand, and it can be applied to different time intervals (such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly). The other methods are not suitable for this scenario. Econometric models are complex mathematical models that use regression analysis to relate demand to various explanatory variables, such as price, income, or advertising. They are not designed to capture trend and seasonality in demand. Computer simulation is a technique that uses a computer program to mimic the behavior of a real system under different scenarios and assumptions. It is not a forecasting method per se, but rather a tool for testing and evaluating different forecasting methods or policies. Weighted moving average is a simple method that uses the average of the most recent observations as the forecast for the next period, with more weight given to the recent observations than the older ones. It is not able to capture trend and seasonality in demand, as it assumes that demand is stable and does not change over time. References: Time Series Decomposition | APICS Dictionary Term of the Day, APICS CPIM 8 Planning and Inventory Management | ASCM

A statistical safety stock calculation is based on the assumption that demand and lead time are normally distributed and independent. This method is suitable for end items with stable demand, as it can provide a reasonable estimate of the required safety stock to achieve a desired service level. Therefore, option C is correct. Option A is incorrect because components used in multiple end items may have dependent demand, which means that their demand is derived from the demand of the end items. Dependent demand may not follow a normal distribution and may require a different method of safety stock calculation. Option B is incorrect because new products at time of introduction may have uncertain or variable demand, which makes it difficult to apply a statistical safety stock calculation. Option D is incorrect because supply-constrained raw materials may have long and variable lead times, which also complicates the use of a statistical safety stock calculation. References: CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, Section E: Plan and Manage Inventory, Subsection E.2: Inventory Management Methods, p. 54.

Point-of-use storage is a stock location system that places inventory close to where it is needed or consumed in the production process. This reduces waste, handling, and transportation costs, and improves material flow and visibility. Point-of-use storage is a key element of a lean environment, where inventory is minimized and replenished frequently based on demand signals. References: EXAM CONTENT MANUAL PREVIEW, page 15, section 7.1.2. Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management: The CPIM Reference, Second Edition, page 462, section 13.3.

 The production supervisor is the most appropriate person to send the information about the overage in actual run time for one operation. The production supervisor is responsible for overseeing the execution of the production plan and ensuring that the operations are performed efficiently and effectively. The production supervisor can review the actual run time data and compare it with the planned run time, identify the possible causes of the overage, and take corrective actions if needed. The production supervisor can also explain the overage to the cost accountant and other stakeholders, such as the product manager, the quality manager, and the engineering manager, and provide feedback for improving the planning and routing of the operation. References:

APICS CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, p. 30

[APICS CPIM Learning System Version 8.0], Module 4, Section D, p. 4-35

DRP applies MRP logic to distribution environments. It uses time-phased order point methodology to determine when and how much inventory to replenish at each distribution node. It treats inventory at distribution centers as dependent demand, based on demand from downstream customers or retailers.

“Distribution requirements planning (DRP) applies material requirements planning (MRP) logic to inventory replenishment in the distribution network.”

— APICS Dictionary, DRP definition; CPIM MPR module; MRP II B1-13

 Forecast error is the difference between the actual demand and the forecasted demand for a given period. Forecast error can be caused by various factors, such as changes in customer preferences, market conditions, competitor actions, or random variation. Forecast error can be measured using different methods, such as mean absolute deviation (MAD), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), or tracking signal. Forecast error typically triggers forecast revision when it is continually increasing, which indicates that the forecast model is not capturing the underlying demand pattern or trend. A continually increasing forecast error can lead to poor customer service, excess or obsolete inventory, or lost sales opportunities. Therefore, it is important to monitor the forecast error and revise the forecast when necessary to improve the forecast accuracy and reliability. Forecast error does not trigger forecast revision when it is used in computing the tracking signal, associated with the introduction stage of the product life cycle, or caused by random variation. These are not valid reasons for revising the forecast, as they do not indicate a systematic or persistent deviation from the actual demand. References:

CPIM Part 1 Study Guide, Chapter 4: Demand Management, Section 4.2: Forecasting Techniques and Performance Measurement

CPIM Part 2 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Demand Management, Section 3.1: Demand Planning

A Critical Look at Measuring and Calculating Forecast Bias, Section: What Is Forecast Bias?

How Can Forecast Error be Calculated?, Section: Introduction

Safety stock is the extra inventory that a company keeps to prevent stockouts or shortages due to uncertainties in demand, supply, or lead time. Safety stock acts as a buffer to protect the company from losing sales or disrupting operations. One of the factors that is used to determine safety stock is the forecast error distribution, which is the measure of how much the actual demand deviates from the forecasted demand. Forecast error distribution can be calculated by using statistical methods, such as standard deviation or mean absolute deviation, to find the average and the variability of the forecast errors. The higher the forecast error distribution, the more safety stock is needed to cover the potential demand fluctuations. Forecast error distribution is one of the components of the safety stock formula, which is:

Safety stock = Z x ∑LT x D

Where:

Z refers to the service level factor, which is the desired probability of not having a stockout.

∑LT refers to the standard deviation of lead time, which is the average variability of the time it takes to replenish inventory.

D is the average demand per unit of time.

References := CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, ASCM, 2021, p. 24. CPIM Part 2 Learning System, Version 8.0, Module 2, Section C, Topic 3. How To Calculate Safety Stock (With Examples and FAQs). What is Safety Stock? (Definition, Formulas, Best Practices).

A bill of distribution is the planned channels of inventory disbursement from one or more sources to field warehouses and ultimately to the customer. There may be one or more levels in the disbursement system. It is used to allocate inventory among different distribution centers based on demand, capacity, and costs. A bill of distribution is similar to a bill of materials, but for distribution planning instead of production planning. The other options are not correct, as they refer to different concepts in distribution management:

•A supply chain community is a network of organizations that collaborate to achieve common goals and objectives in the supply chain.

•Interplant demand is the demand for a product or component from one plant to another within the same company.

•Logistics data interchange (LDI) is the electronic exchange of information between logistics partners, such as suppliers, carriers, and customers. References:

•[CPIM Part 2 - Section A - Topic 4 - Distribution Planning]

•Distribution Channel Design

•APICS Flashcards

Reducing DSO (days sales outstanding) allows a company to collect payments from customers faster, shortening the time it takes to convert inventory investments into cash. This improves the cash conversion cycle, which is a key financial metric used to evaluate liquidity and operational efficiency.

“Reducing days sales outstanding (DSO) reduces the cash-to-cash cycle time and improves liquidity.”

— CPIM SMR Study Notes; Financial Metrics Section

The probability of stocking out is the likelihood that the demand for an item will exceed the available inventory during a given period. It is one of the criteria used to determine safety stock in a distribution center (DC), as safety stock is inventory that is carried to protect against forecast errors and fluctuations in demand or supply. The higher the probability of stocking out, the more safety stock is needed to avoid customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. The other criteria are not directly related to safety stock. Economic order quantity (EOQ) is the order quantity that minimizes the total inventory holding and ordering costs. Seasonal index value is a measure of how demand varies according to different seasons or periods. Alpha factor level is a parameter used in exponential smoothing to adjust the forecast based on the error between the actual and forecasted demand. References: Safety Stock: A Contingency Plan to Keep Supply Chains Flying High, APICS CPIM 8 Planning and Inventory Management | ASCM

Increasing safety stock to improve customer fill rate would result in a decrease in inventory turns. Inventory turns, or inventory turnover, is a metric measuring how fast the inventory is replaced over time. It is calculated as the cost of goods sold divided by the average value of inventory during the period covered1. A higher inventory turnover ratio indicates that the company sells its inventory quickly and efficiently, while a lower ratio implies that the company holds too much inventory or has difficulty selling it. Safety stock is an extra quantity of a product stored in the warehouse to prevent an out-of-stock situation. It serves as insurance against fluctuations in demand, longer lead times, and price fluctuations2. Increasing safety stock means increasing the average value of inventory, which lowers the inventory turnover ratio. This also increases the inventory carrying costs, such as storage, insurance, taxes, and obsolescence. Therefore, there is a trade-off between increasing safety stock to improve customer fill rate and decreasing inventory turns to reduce inventory costs3. References: 1 Inventory Turnover Ratio: What It Is, How It Works, and Formula 4 2 What is safety stock? | Definition, Importance, Formula - Zoho 5 3 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 6

Pareto analysis is a technique for separating input factors with the greatest impact on an outcome and prioritizing them based on their scores. It is based on the 80-20 rule, which states that 80% of a project’s benefit or problems can be achieved by doing 20% of the work or fixing 20% of the causes. Pareto analysis helps to identify the top portion of causes that need to be addressed to resolve the majority of problems. Pareto Analysis - Overview, Limitations, Pareto Diagram References: Pareto analysis - Wikipedia, What Is Pareto Analysis? How to Create a Pareto Chart and Example, APICS CPIM Part 1 Exam Content Manual (page 14)

A cradle-to-cradle sustainability model is a design concept that aims to create products that can be reused or recycled indefinitely, without generating any waste or pollution. It mimics the natural cycles of nature, where everything is a nutrient for something else. A cradle-to-cradle model differs from a cradle-to-grave model, which follows a linear path of production, consumption, and disposal.

Option B is an example of a cradle-to-cradle model, because the paper waste from the coffee shop is collected and recycled by a supplier, who then provides new paper products to the coffee shop. This creates a closed loop of material flow, where nothing is wasted and the paper is continuously reused.

Option A is not a cradle-to-cradle model, because the laundry service does not reuse or recycle the baby clothes. It only cleans and delivers them, but does not prevent them from eventually ending up in the landfill.

Option C is not a cradle-to-cradle model, because the company does not ensure that the wood it uses is from sustainable sources, or that the products it makes can be easily disassembled and recycled. It also does not consider the environmental impacts of transporting the wood from different locations.

Option D is not a cradle-to-cradle model, because the bank does not directly influence the design or production of the products that the firms use. It only provides financial incentives for them to adopt more sustainable practices, but does not guarantee that they will follow a cradle-to-cradle approach.

Developing flexible operations best supports a company’s strategic focus on delivery speed to improve competitive advantage. Delivery speed is the time it takes for a company to deliver its products or services to the customers after receiving an order. Delivery speed is a key factor in customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty, as well as a source of differentiation and value creation in the market1. Developing flexible operations means having the ability to adapt to changes in demand, supply, technology, and environment, and to respond quickly and efficiently to customer needs and expectations. Flexible operations can improve delivery speed by reducing lead times, increasing responsiveness, enhancing quality, and minimizing costs23. References: 1 The Shipper’s Competitive Advantage of Delivery Speed to Market 4 2 Operations Strategy, 4th ed., 2015, Slack, N., Lewis, M., ISBN: 978-0273776208 3 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 1

The primary outcome of frequent replenishments in a distribution requirements planning (DRP) system is that the level of required safety stock is reduced. Safety stock is the extra inventory that is held to protect against demand uncertainty or supply variability. Frequent replenishments mean that the inventory is replenished more often and in smaller quantities, which reduces the risk of stockouts and the need for safety stock. Frequent replenishments also improve the inventory visibility and accuracy, which enable better demand forecasting and inventory planning. By reducing the safety stock, the company can lower its inventory carrying costs, free up working capital, and increase its inventory turnover. The other options are not correct, as they are not the primary outcome of frequent replenishments, but rather possible benefits or drawbacks of frequent replenishments, depending on the situation:

Lead times to customers decrease: This may or may not be true, depending on the distance between the distribution centers and the customers, the transportation mode and frequency, and the customer service level. Frequent replenishments may reduce the lead times if the distribution centers are closer to the customers and the transportation is fast and reliable. However, frequent replenishments may also increase the lead times if the distribution centers are far from the customers and the transportation is slow and infrequent.

Transportation costs decrease: This may or may not be true, depending on the transportation mode, distance, and volume. Frequent replenishments may reduce the transportation costs if the transportation mode is economical, the distance is short, and the volume is high. However, frequent replenishments may also increase the transportation costs if the transportation mode is expensive, the distance is long, and the volume is low.

More efficient load consolidation occurs: This is unlikely to be true, as frequent replenishments usually mean smaller shipments that are less likely to fill the capacity of the transportation vehicles. Load consolidation is the process of combining multiple shipments into one larger shipment to optimize the transportation efficiency and reduce the transportation costs. Frequent replenishments may reduce the opportunities for load consolidation and increase the transportation inefficiency and costs. References:

[CPIM Part 2 - Section A - Topic 4 - Distribution Planning]

Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) in Supply Chain

What is DRP? (A Comprehensive Guide on Distribution Requirements Planning)

Safety Stock: The Ultimate Guide

Load Consolidation

A push system is a production system that relies on forecasts and schedules to plan the production and distribution of goods and services. A pull system is a production system that responds to actual customer demand and signals to trigger the production and distribution of goods and services. A transition from a push system to a pull system requires a change in the mindset and the processes of the organization, as well as the adoption of new tools and techniques to enable a demand-driven production system12.

One of the tools that is commonly used in a pull system is kanban, which is a visual signal that indicates the need for replenishment of materials or products. Kanban cards are attached to standardized containers that hold a fixed amount of inventory. When a container is empty, the kanban card is sent back to the upstream process as a signal to produce more. This way, the inventory level is controlled by the actual consumption of the downstream process, and the production is synchronized with the demand13.

One of the actions that hinders the transition from a push system to a pull system is using work orders as a backup. Work orders are documents that authorize the production of a certain quantity of a product or a service, based on a forecast or a schedule. Work orders are typical of a push system, as they are not triggered by the actual customer demand, but by the planned production. Using work orders as a backup means that the organization is not fully committed to the pull system, and still relies on the push system to ensure the availability of inventory. This can create confusion, inconsistency, and inefficiency in the production system, as well as increase the inventory holding costs and the risk of obsolescence1 .

Therefore, using work orders as a backup is the correct answer, as it is an action that hinders the transition from a push system to a pull system. The other options are actions that support the transition, as they are aligned with the principles and practices of a pull system.

Reducing the inventory value by 10% would contribute most to shortening the cash-to-cash cycle time. The cash-to-cash cycle time is calculated as the days of inventory outstanding plus days of sales outstanding minus days of payables outstanding. By reducing the inventory value, the company can decrease the days of inventory outstanding, leading to a shorter cash-to-cash cycle time. This aligns with CPIM’s focus on efficient inventory management to optimize the supply chain. References: The concepts are covered in detail in Module 4: Inventory Management

Price negotiation is most appropriate when purchasing commodities. Commodities are products or materials that are standardized, widely available, and have low differentiation. Examples of commodities include metals, grains, oil, gas, etc. Price negotiation is a process of bargaining with the supplier to obtain the best possible price for the purchase. Price negotiation is suitable for commodities because they have high price volatility, meaning that their prices fluctuate frequently and unpredictably due to changes in supply and demand, market conditions, and other factors. Price negotiation can help the buyer to take advantage of the price fluctuations and secure a lower price or a better contract term with the supplier. Price negotiation can also help the buyer to reduce the total cost of ownership, which includes not only the purchase price but also the costs of transportation, storage, quality, and risk12. References: 1 How to negotiate price: negotiation tips for salespeople 3 2 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 1

Lot splitting is the technique of dividing a lot into smaller sub-lots that can be processed concurrently, especially when multiple machines are available. This strategy significantly reduces overall lead time by processing portions in parallel instead of sequentially.

“Lot splitting results in the shortest overall lead time… reduces total span time.”

— CPIM Practice Questions (CPIM-400PQ), BSCM Page 77

Kanban is a pull system that uses visual signals to trigger the replenishment of materials or parts. It works best in environments where the demand is stable and predictable, and the production process is continuous and standardized. Kanban helps to reduce inventory, waste, and lead time by synchronizing the production and consumption rates. Kanban is not suitable for environments where the demand is volatile, the product life cycle is short, the production process is intermittent, or the product is highly customized. These factors would require frequent changes in the kanban system and reduce its effectiveness. References:

•CPIM Part 1 Study Guide, Chapter 4: Demand Management, Section 4.3: Pull Systems and Kanban

•CPIM Part 2 Study Guide, Chapter 1: Execution of Operations, Section 1.4: Lean Production and JIT

•What Is the Kanban System? - Investopedia

•Kanban - What Is it? | Lean Enterprise Institute

Risk pooling reduces inventory variability by aggregating demand across multiple locations or products. This strategy lowers safety stock requirements while maintaining service levels. It is widely used in inventory planning to counter variability due to uncertain demand patterns across the supply chain.

“Risk pooling is most effective in reducing inventory and managing variability because demand uncertainties across regions can offset each other when aggregated.”

— APICS Dictionary, 16th edition; also referenced in MRP material on inventory strategies

A production cell is a group of machines or workstations that are arranged in a way that allows for continuous flow of materials and products. The main objective of designing a production cell is to reduce waste, improve quality, and increase productivity. One of the most important considerations for designing a production cell is the flow of materials into the cell and sequencing of operations to minimize total cycle time. Total cycle time is the time it takes for a product to go through all the steps in the cell, from the first operation to the last. By minimizing total cycle time, the production cell can achieve higher throughput, lower inventory, and faster delivery123 References: 1: CPIM Part 2 - Section C - Module 1 - Session 1 - Lean Manufacturing 2: CPIM Part 2 - Section C - Module 1 - Session 2 - Lean Manufacturing Tools 3: CPIM Part 2 - Section C - Module 1 - Session 3 - Lean Manufacturing Implementation

A reduction in purchased lot sizes means ordering smaller quantities of materials more frequently. This reduces the average inventory level and the carrying cost of inventory. However, it also increases the frequency of orders and the ordering cost. The reorder point (ROP) is the level of inventory that triggers a new order, and it depends on the demand rate, the lead time, and the safety stock. The ROP is not affected by the lot size, unless the demand or the lead time changes. The setup time is the time required to prepare a machine or a process for production, and it is not related to the purchased lot size. References: EXAM CONTENT MANUAL PREVIEW, page 14, section 6.1.2. Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management: The CPIM Reference, Second Edition, page 433, section 12.4.

Inventory turnover is a ratio that measures how many times a company sells and replaces its inventory in a given period. It is calculated by dividing the cost of goods sold (COGS) by the average inventory value. A higher inventory turnover indicates a more efficient use of inventory, while a lower turnover implies excess inventory or poor sales1.

Based on the values reported in the table, we can calculate the inventory turnover as follows:

Inventory Turnover = COGS / Average Inventory Value = $260,000 / $150,000 = 1.73

Therefore, the correct answer is C.

References := 1 Inventory Turnover - How to Calculate Inventory Turns2

The demand management function brings qualitative insights like market intelligence, promotions, and competitor actions that are not part of statistical forecasts. These are integrated during S & OP reviews to align demand and supply effectively.

“Demand management supplements forecast data with inputs not captured in historical forecasting models.”

— CPIM SMR Module – Sales & Operations Planning Role of Demand Management

An effective approach to projecting requirements for materials with long lead times is to initiate a multilevel master schedule. A multilevel master schedule is a detailed plan that shows the quantities and timing of the end items and all of their components at each level of the bill of materials (BOM). By using a multilevel master schedule, a planner can determine the requirements for materials with long lead times and place orders in advance to avoid shortages or delays. A phantom bill of materials (BOM) is a temporary grouping of components that are used in the production of a parent item, but do not exist as a separate item in inventory. A phantom BOM is not an effective approach to projecting requirements for materials with long lead times, as it does not reflect the actual demand for the components. Increasing the level of safety stock is a way of mitigating the risk of uncertainty in demand or supply, but it is not an effective approach to projecting requirements for materials with long lead times, as it increases the inventory carrying costs and does not address the root cause of the problem. Decreasing the planning horizon is the opposite of an effective approach to projecting requirements for materials with long lead times, as it reduces the visibility and accuracy of the forecast and increases the likelihood of stockouts or excess inventory. References:

CPIM Part 2 Learning System, Module 1: Supply Chain Strategy, Section 1.4: Master Scheduling

CPIM Part 2 Learning System, Module 3: Supply, Section 3.2: Material Requirements Planning

One way to mitigate liability risk in the supply chain is to require traceability for components. Liability risk is the risk that a party may be held responsible for certain types of losses caused by its actions or products to third parties1. Traceability is the ability to track the origin, history, location, and movement of a product or a component through the supply chain2. Requiring traceability for components can help to mitigate liability risk in the supply chain by enabling the identification and verification of the quality, safety, and compliance of the components, as well as the detection and prevention of counterfeit, defective, or hazardous components. Traceability can also facilitate the recall, repair, or replacement of faulty components, and the allocation of responsibility and accountability among the supply chain partners in case of a liability claim34. References: 1 What is a Liability Risk? - Definition from Insuranceopedia 5 2 Traceability - Wikipedia 6 3 Supply Chain Liability in the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence … 7 4 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 8

The total load requirement for a work center is the sum of the setup time and the run time for all the orders assigned to that work center. Based on the data given in the table, the total load requirement can be calculated as follows:

For order A, the setup time is 4 minutes and the run time is 0.10 minutes per unit times 1,200 units, which equals 120 minutes. The total time for order A is 4 + 120 = 124 minutes.

For order B, the setup time is 2 minutes and the run time is 1.50 minutes per unit times 800 units, which equals 1,200 minutes. The total time for order B is 2 + 1,200 = 1,202 minutes.

For order C, the setup time is 1 minute and the run time is 0.20 minutes per unit times 525 units, which equals 105 minutes. The total time for order C is 1 + 105 = 106 minutes.

For order D, the setup time is 1 minute and the run time is 1.00 minute per unit times 100 units, which equals 100 minutes. The total time for order D is 1 + 100 = 101 minutes.

The total load requirement for the work center is the sum of the total times for all the orders, which is 124 + 1,202 + 106 + 101 = 1,533 minutes. To convert this to hours, we divide by 60, which gives 25.55 hours. To express this as a decimal number, we multiply by 100, which gives 2,555. To round this to the nearest integer, we get 2,556. Therefore, the correct answer is D. 2,880. References:

APICS CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, p. 28

[APICS CPIM Learning System Version 8.0], Module 4, Section B, p. 4-9

The discrete available-to-promise (ATP) method is a calculation based on the available-to-promise figure in the master schedule. For the first period, the ATP is the sum of the beginning inventory plus the MPS quantity minus backlog for all periods until the item is master scheduled again. For other periods, the quantity that is available for an item is based on the quantity available within an individual purchase. Therefore, the master production receipt quantity is committed to requests only for shipment before the next MPS receipt12. References:

•1: APICS CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, p. 29

•2: NetSuite Applications Suite - Available to Promise Methods3

Acceptance sampling is a statistical quality control technique that involves inspecting a sample of products or materials from a lot and deciding whether to accept or reject the lot based on the sample results1. Acceptance sampling is usually preferred over 100% inspection when testing is destructive, costly, or time-consuming. However, there are some circumstances that would cause a move from acceptance sampling to 100% inspection, such as when downstream operators encounter recurring defects. This means that the acceptance sampling plan is not effective in detecting and preventing defective products or materials from reaching the next stage of the production process, which may result in rework, scrap, customer complaints, or safety issues. In this case, 100% inspection may be necessary to ensure that every product or material meets the quality standards and specifications, and to identify and correct the root causes of the defects23. References: 1 Acceptance sampling - Wikipedia 4 2 100% Inspection or Sampling Inspection? Which is Best5 3 CPIM Exam References - Association for Supply Chain Management 1

Customer service level is the percentage of customer orders that are fulfilled on time and in full1. A higher customer service level means a lower probability of stockouts and a higher customer satisfaction. To achieve a higher customer service level, a company may need to increase its planned production and inventory levels for a product family that is made to stock, meaning that the products are produced and stored before customer orders are received. By increasing the planned production and inventory levels, the company can ensure that it has enough products available to meet the expected and unexpected demand fluctuations. Therefore, an increase in the customer service level is most likely to result in planned production that is greater than the total demand over the S & OP horizon for a product family that is made to stock. Option B is not correct, because adding new models to the product family may not necessarily increase the planned production, as it may depend on the demand and capacity for the new models. Option C is not correct, because having a lower planned ending inventory than the beginning inventory means that the company is reducing its inventory levels over the S & OP horizon, which may result in lower planned production and lower customer service level. Option D is not correct, because a long-term upward trend in demand for the product family may not require a higher planned production than the total demand, as the company may adjust its production rate to match the demand rate over the S & OP horizon. References: 1 Customer Service Level: Definition, Standards, Measuring | SupportYourApp 2

A cellular layout is a workplace organization in which processes are organized by the product or product family, rather than by the type of work (function). A cellular layout consists of cells, which are groups of machines or workstations that are located close to each other and perform all the operations required for a product or product family. A cellular layout has several advantages over a functional layout, such as reduced material handling, improved quality, increased flexibility, and enhanced employee involvement. One of the main benefits of a cellular layout is that products will have faster throughput. Throughput is the rate at which products are produced and delivered to the customers. A cellular layout can increase the throughput by reducing the travel distance, the waiting time, and the setup time for the products. A cellular layout can also improve the production flow, the synchronization, and the visibility of the products. The other options are not correct, as they are not the typical benefits of switching from a functional to a cellular layout, but rather possible drawbacks or trade-offs of switching from a functional to a cellular layout:

Equipment utilization will be higher: This is unlikely to be true, as a cellular layout may result in lower equipment utilization than a functional layout. Equipment utilization is the ratio of the actual output of a machine to its maximum possible output. A cellular layout may reduce the equipment utilization by dedicating some machines to specific products or product families, which may limit the sharing of machines across different products or product families. A cellular layout may also reduce the equipment utilization by balancing the workload among the machines within a cell, which may prevent some machines from operating at their full capacity.

Quality inspections will be reduced: This may or may not be true, depending on the quality level and the quality control system of the production process. A cellular layout may reduce the quality inspections by improving the quality of the products, as the workers in a cell are more responsible, skilled, and empowered to perform the operations and to detect and correct the defects. However, a cellular layout may also increase the quality inspections by requiring more frequent and rigorous checks of the products, as the products move from one cell to another or from one stage to another.

Capital expenditures will be reduced: This is unlikely to be true, as a cellular layout may result in higher capital expenditures than a functional layout. Capital expenditures are the costs of acquiring or upgrading the fixed assets, such as machines, equipment, or facilities. A cellular layout may increase the capital expenditures by requiring more machines or equipment to create the cells, especially if the machines or equipment are specialized or customized for specific products or product families. A cellular layout may also increase the capital expenditures by requiring more space or facilities to accommodate the cells, especially if the cells are dispersed or isolated from each other. References:

[CPIM Part 2 - Section B - Topic 4 - Sustainability]

Cellular Manufacturing: Definition, Examples & Advantages — Katana

Cellular or Functional Layout? - IGI Global

Functional Layout - Velaction

What is cell layout? - Studybuff.com

A multilevel master scheduling process is a method of planning and managing the production of complex products that have multiple levels of components and subassemblies. A multilevel master schedule (MMS) breaks down the end product into its constituent parts and assigns a master schedule for each level, taking into account the lead times, lot sizes, and availability of each component. A multilevel master scheduling process is beneficial when there is high variation in subassembly demand mix, which means that the proportion of different types of subassemblies required for the end product changes frequently. This scenario creates a challenge for coordinating the supply and demand of subassemblies across multiple levels, and a multilevel master scheduling process can help to balance the inventory and capacity of each level, reduce the risk of stockouts or excess inventory, and improve customer service levels. References := CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Version 8.0, ASCM, 2021, p. 23. CPIM Part 2 Learning System, Version 8.0, Module 2, Section B, Topic 3.

Demonstrated capacity is the actual output achieved by a resource or a system over a period of time, such as a day, a week, or a month. It is determined from actual results, such as production records, time studies, or historical data. Demonstrated capacity reflects the past performance, not the future load, of a resource or a system. It may be lower or higher than the rated capacity, which is the theoretical or design capacity of a resource or a system. Demonstrated capacity considers utilization and efficiency factors, such as machine availability, operator skills, product mix, quality issues, or maintenance schedules, that affect the actual output. References:

Managing Supply Chain Operations, Chapter 5: Capacity Planning and Management, Section 5.2: Capacity Planning Decisions, page 132-133.

Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management: The CPIM Reference, Second Edition, Chapter 6: Capacity Management, Section 6.2: Capacity Planning, page 156-157.

CPIM 8.0 Exam Content Manual Preview, Module 5: Plan and Manage Supply, Section 5.1: Plan and Manage Capacity, page 9.

Product price is most effective in influencing demand in the introduction phase of the product life cycle, when the product is new and unfamiliar to the market. In this phase, customers are not aware of the product’s benefits, features, or quality, and may be reluctant to try it. Therefore, a lower price can help attract customers and stimulate demand, as well as deter potential competitors from entering the market. A lower price can also help the product gain market share and establish a loyal customer base. As the product moves to the growth, maturity, and decline phases, price becomes less effective in influencing demand, as other factors, such as product differentiation, quality, promotion, and customer satisfaction, become more important. References:

•Product Life Cycle Explained: Stage and Examples

•The 6 Stages of the Product Life Cycle [+Examples]

•Product Life Cycle - Definition, Stages, Usage