Finite loading definition
/What is Finite Loading?
Finite loading occurs when only a set amount of work is allocated to a work center, which is capped at its estimated capacity level. Doing so minimizes the queue of work waiting in front of a work center, which in turn reduces your inventory investment. Finite loading requires the use of detailed computer-based planning, based on the normal usage requirements of all jobs and the normal capacity levels of work centers. It is a good way to develop an initial production schedule.
Example of Finite Loading
A machine shop has a milling machine that operates 8 hours per day. The machine is already scheduled with jobs, and the scheduler cannot assign more work than the available hours. The current schedule is as follows:
Job A: Requires 3 hours, scheduled from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Job B: Requires 2 hours, scheduled from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Job C: Requires 2 hours, scheduled from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
This leaves 0.5 hours (30 minutes) of idle time for lunch (1:00 PM to 1:30 PM).
A new job, Job D, requires 2 hours in the machine shop. It cannot be scheduled for the same day, since only 30 minutes are available. The scheduler moves Job D to the next day at 8:00 AM, ensuring that the total workload does not exceed the machine's capacity.