1.2 - Productivity Estimation
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Interactive Audio Lesson
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Understanding Scraper Limits
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Let's begin our discussion on scrapers. What happens to productivity when we use fewer scrapers than needed?
I think the scrapers would work slower because there are not enough of them.
Exactly! When the number of scrapers is less than the balanced number, production is controlled by the scrapers. Can anyone tell me what kind of relationship exists between scrapers and pushers in this scenario?
The pushers would have idle time because they have to wait for scrapers.
"Right! Thus, managing their numbers is crucial. Remember:
Calculating Productivity
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Okay, let’s look at the formula for productivity when we use 5 scrapers. Can someone recall how it's structured?
It's about multiplying efficiency, number of scrapers, and volume per load, right?
"Correct! The formula goes like this:
Impacts of Exceeding Balance Numbers
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What happens when we use more scrapers than the balanced number?
The pushers become critical, meaning they control production now.
Yes, since the scrapers might be idle. How does that change production calculations?
We need to adjust our calculations for the pusher instead of scrapers?
Precisely! Let’s calculate productivity again, but this time for 6 scrapers. Anyone recall those calculations?
For 6 scrapers, the productivity comes out to around 723.36 bcm/hr.
Great! So clearly, balancing numbers is critical not just for efficiency but also to minimize costs. Let’s summarize what we've learned.
Unit Production Costs
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Now that we’ve covered productivity, let’s delve into unit cost calculations. Who remembers how we find unit production costs?
We need to combine the costs of the pusher and scrapers and divide by the productivity.
Excellent! When using 5 scrapers, our cost was ₹44.12/bcm. What's the takeaway from this?
Choosing fewer scrapers can sometimes save money.
Absolutely! Balancing costs with productivity drives optimal decisions in project management.
So, costs matter as much as production rates do.
Exactly! Balancing these variables ensures we meet project deadlines while managing expenses effectively.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, we analyze how the number of scrapers impacts the overall productivity estimates in relation to the pushers. Key calculations are presented for both scenarios—when scrapers are fewer and when they exceed the optimal number—illustrating the importance of proper balance to maximize efficiency and control costs.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
This section delves into the economics surrounding the use of scrapers and pushers in construction efficiency. Key insights include:
- Number of Scrapers: The analysis begins by determining productivity with 5 scrapers, highlighting how their limited number makes them critical in controlling production when used alongside a pusher. If there are fewer scrapers than required, production efficiency dramatically drops, leading to longer idle times for pushers.
- Productivity Calculations: Using a formulated approach, productivity for scrapers is calculated as:
Production (Scraper controlling) = (Efficiency, hr/min) x (No. of scrapers) x (Volume per load) / (Cycle time of scraper, min)
When substituting values for 5 scrapers, the resultant productivity is established as 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour.
- Exceeding Scraper Balance: Conversely, when the number of scrapers exceeds the balance number, the pusher becomes critical as the scrapers may become idle. The efficiency shifts, and the production is calculated under different parameters for 6 scrapers yielding 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour. This showcases a straightforward decision path towards selecting the optimal number of scrapers based on desired productivity.
- Unit Production Costs: The analysis follows with unit production costs calculated for scenarios using 5 and 6 scrapers, leading to strategic decision-making that factors in both productivity and costs.
Ultimately, balancing the number of scrapers and pushers becomes imperative for maximizing productivity while minimizing costs.
Audio Book
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Understanding Scrapers and Pushers
Chapter 1 of 5
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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.
Detailed Explanation
In this chunk, we explore the scenario of having 5 scrapers for a job. Here, the assumption is that this number is less than what's ideal. If there are fewer scrapers than necessary, they become more critical because their availability determines the pace of work. Conversely, the pusher, which is responsible for pushing the scrapers to load materials, will often have idle time since it will have to wait for the scrapers to be ready. Therefore, it illustrates how the correct balance of machinery is essential for efficient production.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a restaurant where you have fewer chefs than customers demanding food. The chefs (scrapers) will be overwhelmed and unable to meet the demand quickly, while the waitstaff (pusher) will end up waiting for dishes to be prepared rather than serving customers.
Calculating Productivity for 5 Scrapers
Chapter 2 of 5
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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, min/hr × no. of scrapers × vol. per load) / (Cycle time of scraper, min).
Production = (50 min/hr × 5 × 19.82 bcm) / 7.78 min = 636.89 bcm/hr.
Detailed Explanation
To estimate productivity for 5 scrapers, we need to factor in several elements: the efficiency of the machine (which is how much time it can operate in reality), the number of scrapers, and the volume of the load they can carry (in this case, 19.82 bank cubic meters per load). Here, we calculate the production by multiplying the efficiency by the number of scrapers and the volume of each load, then dividing this by the cycle time for one scraper. This results in a production rate of 636.89 cubic meters per hour, demonstrating how productivity can be quantified.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a factory assembly line where each worker (scraper) assembles toys (volume per load) efficiently for a certain time (efficiency). If one worker can make a certain number of toys in a minute, you calculate the total output by multiplying how many workers there are and how many toys they can produce before taking a break (cycle time). The formula allows you to see how effective the workers are as a team.
Estimating Productivity for More Scrapers
Chapter 3 of 5
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Chapter Content
If n is greater than the balanced number that means you are going to use more number of scrapers, then what is indicated by the balance number. In this case, scrapers will have the ideal time. Scrapers are not critical. So, the scraper will be waiting for the pusher. Pusher is critical here.
Detailed Explanation
This part discusses the case where the number of scrapers exceeds the ideal balance point. In this case, the scrapers are not the bottleneck anymore; they become idle because they have to wait for the pusher to be available to continue working. This indicates a different control over production, where now the cycle time of the pusher becomes critical.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a race where you have more athletes than available bicycles. If more athletes are waiting for bikes (scrapers), the race can't continue until a bike is freed up. The athletes (scrapers) can only run as fast as the bike (pusher) allows, leading to inefficiencies.
Comparing Unit Production Costs
Chapter 4 of 5
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Chapter Content
How to calculate the unit production cost? Total unit cost of production for combination = (Cost of Pusher with operator + Cost of scraper with operator × number of scrapers) / Job production. It gives us unit cost per bank meter cube.
Detailed Explanation
In this section, we are calculating the cost associated with the production per load. It involves adding the costs of both the pusher and scrapers (including operator costs) and dividing it by the productivity achieved. This metric helps in assessing whether the investment in resources leads to economical production by comparing costs efficiently across different scenarios.
Examples & Analogies
Think of budgeting for a team project where you gather costs from various resources (like supplies, labor, etc.). To assess how cost-effective your project is, you need to see how much you spend (total cost) against how much output (finished products) you generate. It’s like finding out the cost to complete each product.
Choosing Optimal Number of Scrapers
Chapter 5 of 5
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Chapter Content
Based on productivity if I select obviously I have to go for 6 number of scrapers per pusher, because 5 scrapers is giving you 636.89, 6 scrapers is giving you 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour.
Detailed Explanation
Here, we see a decision-making scenario. Given that the productivity of using 6 scrapers is higher (723.36 bcm/hr) compared to just 5 scrapers (636.89 bcm/hr), it is logical to prefer the more efficient option if the aim is maximized productivity. This insight demonstrates the need to balance resource allocation for optimal results.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a team project where more collaborators lead to faster completion of tasks, just like adding more scrapers improves production. If you’re trying to meet tight deadlines, enlisting more hands would help, similar to our scrapers helping increase output to meet project demands.
Key Concepts
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Production Efficiency: The ratio of actual production output to the expected production output.
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Optimal Scraper Count: The ideal number of scrapers required to maximize productivity and minimize costs.
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Cost Control: The methodologies to minimize the unit production cost through strategic decisions on machinery use.
Examples & Applications
When calculating productivity, using 5 scrapers yields a figure of 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour.
Using 6 scrapers increases the production estimate to 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour, illustrating the impact of machine numbers.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
When scrapers are few, production is slow; balance them right, and profits will grow.
Stories
Imagine a construction site with many scrapers, but only a few pushers. The scrapers wait while the pushers try to keep up, leading to delays. Balancing the two helps keep things flowing smoothly and efficiently.
Memory Tools
Remember SCRP : Scrapers Control Resulting Production.
Acronyms
BES
Balanced Equipment Strategy – for maximizing efficiency.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Scrapers
Heavy machines used for moving earth or other materials.
- Pushers
Vehicles that push scrapers for better efficiency in material transport.
- Balanced Number
The ideal number of scrapers required to work efficiently with pushers.
- Volume per Load
The capacity of the scraper in bank cubic meters.
- Cycle Time
The total time taken for one complete operation of the machine.
- Production Efficiency
The measure of output relative to input, often expressed in bcm/hr.
- Unit Production Cost
The cost associated with producing one unit of output, expressed per cubic meter.
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