Thread: Critical Path Analysis Question

Hi there,
Hopefully this will be an easy one for somebody to explain. I understand how to do critical path for figures like below, however I've completely forgotten how to determine the sequence of products manufactured.

I believe there was a simple way of doing it, I did know before but it's gone from my mind somehow.


Question: Mass production company of replica masterpieces - commissioned to print and frame different paintings. Each type of painting requires a different type of frame. The company wishes to execute this commission as quickly as possible and has estimated the times for printing and framing as follows.

In what order should the company manufacture the products to minimize total production time?





Then it asks how long the process will take (requires critical path work) which I believe I can do, but can't do this until I know how to come up with the right sequence.

Should know this in case it comes up in my forthcoming exam. I appreciate the help!

Thanks

Sorry to post again so quick, but it's quite urgent I find out how to do the sequence for the exam in case it comes up.

I heard you can decide the sequence using a Gantt chart? Can anybody explain?

The trick is to focus on the real problem. The Gantt might help. There isn't anything magic about it. Set up some guidelines and see where it leads.

Sample guideline:

1) Get those framers working as soon as possible.
2) Keep those framers working as much as possible.
3) Don't be overwhelmed by imagining infinitely many circumstances when there are only 120 total, and many can be eliminated quickly. For example, there is NO WAY you want to start with D-Renoir because you just shot 5 hours of the Framers' time. So, we're down to 24 cases. Taht was a very quick elimination of 80% of the work.

I couldn't find a solution with fewer than five (5) half-hour breaks for the framers. I found several that met this description.