5 - Conclusion
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Economics of Scrapers vs. Pushers
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Today, we're going to discuss how the number of scrapers and pushers affects productivity. Can anyone explain what happens when the number of scrapers is lower than the ideal amount?
I think it means the scrapers become the limiting factor in production.
Exactly! When there are fewer scrapers, they control production because the pusher will be waiting for them. Now, what about when we have too many scrapers?
Then the pusher becomes critical, right? It controls the production then.
Correct! This dynamic highlights the importance of balancing our machinery. Can anyone remember how to estimate production when we know the number of scrapers?
We can use the efficiency formula with the volume per load and cycle time!
Great recollection! Understanding these calculations is vital for optimizing operations. Remember: efficiency and effective balancing lead to better productivity.
Calculation of Production
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Let's break down the formula for estimating production again. What factors do we need to consider?
Volume per load, number of scrapers, and cycle time, right?
Exactly! We also need to consider the job efficiency time. Let's say we have 5 scrapers and the volume per load is 19.82 bank cubic meters. How do we calculate the hourly production?
We would use the formula: Production = (Efficiency × Number of Scrapers × Volume) / Cycle Time.
Good job! This yields a production of 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour for 5 scrapers. Now, who can tell me how this changes when we increase the scrapers to 6?
The production would increase to 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour because there's now a better utilization of resources.
Exactly. You've all grasped the importance of analyzing both productivity and costs.
Cost Analysis
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Now that we understand productivity, let's discuss unit production costs. How do we calculate costs per bank cubic meter?
We take the total cost of production and divide it by the total production in bank cubic meters.
Correct! For instance, if the cost of the pusher is 5600 per hour and scrapers at 4500, how much would be the cost when using 6 scrapers?
It would be ₹45.07 per bank cubic meter. That’s higher than the cost for 5 scrapers!
Right! Balancing the number of machines isn't just about speed; it's also about cost-effectiveness. What could be the reason many companies still opt for fewer scrapers?
If they're trying to minimize costs, even if it slightly lowers productivity.
That’s the trade-off many operations face: speed versus cost, a crucial factor in project management.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, the discussion focuses on the effective utilization of scrapers and pushers in a construction setting, highlighting the importance of balancing their numbers for optimal productivity and cost efficiency. Key calculations are provided for determining how to estimate production based on available scrapers and their cycle times.
Detailed
The conclusion of the chapter emphasizes the importance of selecting an optimal number of scrapers and pushers to achieve maximum productivity while minimizing costs. When scrapers are fewer than the ideal number, they become the limiting factor, leading production to be controlled by their availability. Conversely, when there are more scrapers than needed, the pusher's cycle time governs the operation's efficiency. The section provides detailed calculations for estimating production in both scenarios, with practical examples demonstrating how to determine productivity in bank cubic meters per hour. Additionally, the cost analysis is included to make informed decisions regarding the balance of scrapers and pushers, ultimately guiding readers to select configurations that meet productivity goals while remaining cost-effective.
Audio Book
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Productivity with 5 Scrapers
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
Now let us consider the economics of going for 5 scrapers. So, 5 in the sense you are going to use lesser than what is needed, you are assuming 5 that means you are going to use the number of scrapers lesser than what is needed. So, when the number of scrapers are lesser than the balanced number so obviously scrapers are more critical, but a pusher will have the ideal time. Your pusher will wait for the scraper. So, unless a scraper is available you cannot complete the job. So, here the scraper will be controlling the production as a scraper is a lesser in number, but the pusher will have the ideal time.
Detailed Explanation
In this section, the text discusses the significance of using a specific number of scrapers—in this case, five. It explains that if the number of scrapers is below the balanced amount required for optimal operation, the scrapers become crucial for the workflow. Since they are fewer, the scrapers will dictate the pace of production, and the pusher must wait for them to complete their tasks before proceeding. Thus, one must ensure adequate scrapers to maintain production efficiency.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a restaurant where only a few chefs (scrapers) are available to prepare dishes, while the waiter (pusher) waits to serve the food. If there are not enough chefs, the waiter must stand idle until the chefs can prepare the meals, slowing down the overall service. Conversely, if there are too many chefs, they might just stand around without enough orders to cook.
Calculating Production Rate
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
So, now let us see the productivity this case of n equal to 5 scrapers. How to estimate the production of this scraper? The volume of your bowl volume per load, you know the value of 19.82 bank cubic meter. Production (Scraper controlling) = (Efficiency, hr) × (No. of scrapers) × (Vol. per load) / (Cycle time of scraper, min). So basically the volume per load is 19.82 multiplied by the number of scrapers is 5. So, divided by the scraper cycle time is 7.78 minute.
Detailed Explanation
Here, the discussion shifts towards calculating the production rate when using five scrapers. It starts by explaining the volume capacity per load, which is given as 19.82 bank cubic meters. The production rate formula incorporates the efficiency of the scrapers, the number of scrapers in use, and the cycle time of each scraper to derive how much material can be moved in an hour. By plugging in these values, the production output can be quantified.
Examples & Analogies
Think of the scrapers like containers filling with water (loads). If each container can hold 19.82 liters (volume per load) and you have five containers (scrapers), you want to know how many liters you can pour out in an hour. If it takes some time to fill each container (cycle time of scraper), understanding this flow helps you plan how efficiently you can fill and empty them to serve customers (complete the job).
Cost Evaluation and Selection
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
Now we need to compare unit production costs associated with both the cases and then let us make the decision. So, cost per bank meter cube is nothing but hourly cost divided by hourly productivity.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk discusses the critical aspect of cost evaluation by comparing the unit costs associated with using five scrapers versus six scrapers. It explains that the cost per bank meter cube of produced material can be calculated by dividing the total hourly costs of operation (for both the pusher and scrapers) by the productivity achieved. Understanding the production costs is essential for making informed decisions on the optimal number of scrapers needed.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you run a bakery where you bake cakes. If you spend ten dollars on ingredients (hourly cost) and make ten cakes (hourly productivity), your cost per cake is a dollar. If you find a way to make fifteen cakes instead without extra costs, your cost per cake drops to sixty-seven cents. This illustrates how understanding costs alongside productivity helps in making more effective business decisions.
Final Decision Making
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
So, if you are concerned more about your production cost only. In that case, most of the cases, people are concerned only about minimizing the production cost. So, in that case, we have to go for the combination which gives you the minimum unit production cost.
Detailed Explanation
This final part summarizes the decision-making process in selecting the number of scrapers based on production costs and productivity. It emphasizes that businesses often prioritize minimizing costs above all else. Therefore, a thorough analysis of unit production costs for various combinations helps determine the most economically viable solution, allowing the business to operate more efficiently.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a shipping company that can choose between two truck routes for delivering goods. One option is longer but cheaper in fuel costs, while the other is shorter but requires more fuel. The company has to weigh the costs against the delivery times to decide which route to use. Similarly, businesses assess different scenarios for scrapers to find the most cost-effective and efficient solution.
Key Concepts
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Scraper Productivity: Refers to the volume moved per unit time, influenced by the number of scrapers.
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Cost Efficiency: Analysis of costs associated with production rates to minimize expenses.
Examples & Applications
In a scenario with 5 scrapers, the production reaches 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour, but moving to 6 scrapers increases it to 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour.
The unit production cost with 5 scrapers is ₹44.12 per bank cubic meter, compared to ₹45.07 with 6 scrapers, showing a trade-off between speed and cost.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
When scrapers are five and not less, production will flow, you'll see progress.
Stories
Imagine a construction site where scrapers work tirelessly, but when few, they have to wait for help, unlike when there are many relying on the pusher.
Memory Tools
S.C.O.R.E: Scrapers Control Output, Resource Efficiency.
Acronyms
S.P.E.E.D
Scrapers + Pusher = Efficient Earth-moving Delivery.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Scraper
A construction machine used for earth moving, which can load and transport material.
- Pusher
A machine that pushes scrapers to optimize loading and movement.
- Bank Cubic Meter
A unit of measure for gauging the volume of material moved or processed.
- Cycle Time
The total time taken for a scraper to complete one full loading and unloading cycle.
- Production Cost
The total cost incurred in producing one unit of material or product.
Reference links
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