Production Scheduling and Control Research Paper - 1

Production Scheduling and Control - Research Paper Example Batching was done by having customers waiting in queue sit at the bar until a table is freed. Then, these customers are led inside in batches of eight (8). Thus, there were several occasions when complete strangers would be seated in one table but very few instances when a table seats less than it can fully accommodate. This queer but very revolutionary idea did what it was supposed to do --- maximize throughput. Throughput is another simple yet very underutilized factor in running a business. In simple words, throughput â€Å"is a sales-building concept measured by sales per hour† (Florence, 2008). Maximized throughput leads to maximized sales which consequently leads to maximized profits. The simulation that was used showed how efficient and effective batching is especially during the peak hours because it was able to significantly reduce the presence of variability in the business operations. Variability is the main culprit in not achieving full utilization of a restaurant’s capacity and thus not maximizing throughput (Ernst and Schmidt, 2005). Batching removes variability by making sure that a table is fully maximized because it seats the exact number which it is supposed to, not leaving an empty seat and thus not wasting capacity. The graph that was provided in the website clearly shows that with batching, more people are seated and the number of those waiting in queue or at the bar is reduced. Also, because customers are seated much faster, fewer customers are lost with batching than without. This great idea translates to the ultimate goal of any business --- achieve maximum profitability of the operations. Batching does that exactly. Because more people are seated, more people are served and that translates to profit. Because people do not wait too long in queue, they are more satisfied and that also translates to profit. In fact, figures from the simulation activity show that while batching created a profit of