Ncc Case

National Cranberry Cooperative Analysis

Problem Statement Receiving Plant No.1 at National Cranberry Cooperative is experiencing delays in the unloading process of the fruit plant. Mel O’Brien is therefore concerned about increasing operation expenses and plant capacity. These issues must be addressed before the 1971 crop comes in.

Objectives In order for the National Cranberry Cooperative to maximize production, O’Brien must subsequently identify the following:

* Identify the bottlenecks

* Reduce wait time for the truck drivers

* Condense overtime cost

The above objectives along with other alternatives and observations will be outlined. My goal of preparing this analysis is to primarily illustrate Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints which can be shown by first identifying the constraint, decide how to exploit the constraint, subordinate all other processes to above decision and elevate the constraint (Theory of Constraints).

Analysis The first approach to problem solving is to define the problem and causes then identify the alternatives (Problem Solving). The truck driver’s perspective to solve the current agony of the unloading process would be to purchase more Kiwanee dumpers. O’Brien’s decision to purchase a fifth dumper at Receiving Plant #1 for $75,000 was an impulse decision. Some non-monetary alternatives must be taken into consideration before making his final decision to spend $75,000. My overall analysis will attempt to look at the big picture of Receiving Plant #1.

Grading & Lighting One observation that should be adjusted is the grading system. Currently, the berries are being grading based off of judgment and not accuracy. The case states that, whenever a question about the truckload berries being either a No.2B or 3, the chief receiver would choose No.3, adding a premium of 50 cents/bbl (Tucker). This is a major concern because the quality of these berries does not...