Name Plate Capacity (NPC): The NPC is the design speed of the machine. In other words, it is maximum speed of the machine, not taking into account possible limitations for a product on that machine.
Product Standard: The theoretical maximum speed of a certain product (or group of products) on a particular machine.
For Example:
- The operator picks up a part and places it in the press. This takes 13 seconds.
- The operator pushes the ‘Start Process” button, and the press lowers. This takes 4 seconds.
- The machine heats up and presses the part. This takes 30 seconds.
- Once complete, the press raises again. This takes 5 seconds.
- The operator removes the finished part and places it in the finished goods container. This takes 8 seconds.
(Scroll to the bottom of the page to watch a video demonstration of this scenario)
It is clear that the Standard is affected by both the NPC and the time it takes the machine to press the product. The above example demonstrates that the standard for Product A and Product B are not the same.
This means that every product will have a unique Standard, which is dependent on the speed which the machine was designed to run at, as well as the particular process that takes place which changes the structure/composition of that specific product.
NPC is also process dependent.
Therefore: Standard = NPC + Machine time per part
The standard is not affected by the speed of the operator. The operator’s action of loading the part into the machine and unloading it again is not part of the standard set for this machine.