APICS Updated CPIM-Part-2 Exam Questions and Answers by jeevan

Available-to-promise (ATP) is a business function that provides a response to customer order inquiries, based on resource availability1. It generates available quantities of the requested product, and delivery due dates. Therefore, ATP supports order promising and fulfillment, aiming to manage demand and match it to production plans1.

The most appropriate course of action when the customer requests an order of 100 units in Period 1, but the ATP is only 85 units, is to promise the 85 units in Period 1 and the remaining 15 units in the next possible ATP period. This way, the customer can receive a partial fulfillment of their order as soon as possible, and the rest of their order when more inventory becomes available. This approach also avoids overpromising or underdelivering, which can damage customer relationships and satisfaction.

The other options are not appropriate, because they either violate the master schedule, ignore the component availability, or disadvantage another customer. Increasing the MPS quantity in Period 1 by 15 units may not be feasible or desirable, because it may disrupt the production plan, increase costs, or create capacity issues. Promising the 100 units, and then checking on component availability may result in a failure to deliver, if the components are not available or sufficient. Promising the 100 units by removing 15 units from another customer’s order with a smaller revenue value may be unethical or unfair, and may also cause dissatisfaction or complaints from the other customer.

Producing to backorders means that the company only produces goods when there is a confirmed customer order. This strategy is most appropriate during times of highly fluctuating demand, as it allows the company to avoid holding excess inventory that may incur high carrying costs and become obsolete. Producing to backorders also enables the company to adjust its workforce according to the actual demand, which can be easily changed as the question states. This strategy can improve customer satisfaction, as the products are tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each customer. However, producing to backorders also has some drawbacks, such as longer lead times, higher production costs, and lower economies of scale.

The other strategies are less suitable for highly fluctuating demand. Producing at a constant level means that the company produces goods at a fixed rate regardless of the demand fluctuations. This strategy can result in either excess inventory or stockouts, depending on whether the demand is lower or higher than the production level. Producing to the sales forecast means that the company produces goods based on the projected demand for a certain period. This strategy can be effective if the forecast is accurate, but it can also lead to inventory imbalances if the forecast is inaccurate or if there are unexpected changes in demand. Producing to demand means that the company produces goods based on the current demand in the market. This strategy can be responsive and flexible, but it can also be challenging to implement, as it requires high visibility, coordination, and agility in the supply chain.

References : CPIM Part 2 Exam Content Manual, Domain 4: Plan and Manage Supply, Section B: Production Planning and Control, Subsection 1: Production Strategies and Techniques, Page 19.

Providing a realistic basis for setting internal performance targets can be accomplished through benchmarking. Benchmarking is a process of comparing one’s own performance, processes, or practices with those of other organizations that are recognized as leaders or best in class in a specific area. Benchmarking can help identify gaps, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in one’s own performance, as well as learn from the experiences and successes of others. Benchmarking can also help set realistic, achievable, and challenging goals and targets for improvement, based on external standards or benchmarks. Benchmarking can be done internally(within the same organization), externally (with other organizations in the same industry or sector), or functionally (with other organizations that perform similar functions or processes).

Beta testing is not a way of providing a realistic basis for setting internal performance targets. Beta testing is a stage of product development where a sample of potential users or customers test a product or service before it is released to the general public. Beta testing can help identify and fix any bugs, errors, or issues in the product or service, as well as collect feedback and suggestions for improvement. Beta testing can also help evaluate the usability, functionality, and quality of the product or service, as well as measure customer satisfaction and loyalty. Beta testing is not related to setting internal performance targets, as it is focused on the product or service, not the organization.

Breakthrough innovation is not a way of providing a realistic basis for setting internal performance targets. Breakthrough innovation is a type of innovation that creates significant value for customers and markets by introducing new products, services, or business models that are radically different from existing ones. Breakthrough innovation can help create competitive advantage, disrupt existing markets, or create new markets. Breakthrough innovation is not related to setting internal performance targets, as it is focused on the outcome, not the process.

Best practices are not a way of providing a realistic basis for setting internal performance targets. Best practices are methods or techniques that have been proven to be effective and efficient in achieving desired results or outcomes. Best practices can be derived from one’s own experience, research, or benchmarking. Best practices can help improve performance, quality, or productivity by adopting proven solutions or standards. Best practices are not related to setting internal performance targets, as they are focused on the implementation, not the measurement.

References := Benchmarking - Wikipedia, Benchmarking: Definition & Process | Study.com, What Is Benchmarking? Definition And Examples, What Is Beta Testing? Definition And Examples, What Is Breakthrough Innovation? Definition And Examples, What Are Best Practices? Definition And Examples

 Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic, proactive method for identifying and evaluating the potential causes and impacts of failures in a process, product, or service1. It aims to anticipate and prevent failures by assessing the relative effect and risk of different failure modes1.

The use of FMEA would be most appropriate prior to a new product introduction (NPI). During the NPI phase, FMEA can be used to identify potential failure modes in the design of the product and assess their potential effects on the product’s performance and reliability. This allows for proactive measures to be taken to mitigate or eliminate these risks before the product is launched. FMEA is particularly useful in the early stages of design, as it helps in making informed decisions that can improve the quality and safety of the product1.

In contrast, using FMEA after a one-time quality incident investigation (A) or during evaluation of a new market opportunity © may not be as effective, as these situations do not involve the design or development of a product or process. While FMEA can be used during the define phase of a Six Sigma project (B), its most impactful application is during the design phase of a new product, where it can significantly influence the final outcome.