Scheduling Resources Using the Assignment Method

Problems

Scenario

As part of the short$-$term scheduling process, a manager must assign tasks and resources $($usually machines and people$)$ to accomplish the job with the objective of minimizing total cost. In this activity, you will use the assignment method to do that.

You work in a production facility that produces widgets. You have four different machines that can produce the same part; however, since each machine is different, the production cost is different. You are responsible for assigning jobs to machines, and you need to make sure to minimize the total cost to produce the widgets.

Calculate the best job assignments based on resources as shown in the following chart.

Costs Widget $1$ Widget $2$ Widget $3$ Widget $4$

Machine $1$ $$11\mathrm{.}00$ $$9\mathrm{.}00$ $$6\mathrm{.}00$ $$10\mathrm{.}00$

Machine $2$ $$9\mathrm{.}00$ $$8\mathrm{.}00$ $$6\mathrm{.}00$ $$6\mathrm{.}00$

Machine $3$ $$5\mathrm{.}00$ $$6\mathrm{.}00$ $$8\mathrm{.}00$ $$12\mathrm{.}00$

Machine $4$ $$7\mathrm{.}00$ $$11\mathrm{.}00$ $$9\mathrm{.}00$ $$8\mathrm{.}00$

Assignment

Use Excel or the Excel OM Assignment module to calculate the best job assignments based on resources as shown in the chart.

When using Excel OM

If you are using Excel OM$,$ please make sure you have the Excel Solver Add$-$in enabled for this assignment. It may already be enabled in your Excel, to make sure, follow the steps below:

Go to File $-->$ Options $-->$ Add$-$ins $-->$ You should see "Solve Add$-$in$"$ under Active Application Add$-$ins.

If it is not enabled, follow these steps to enable it:

Select "Solve Add$-$in$"$ from the manage menu at the bottom of the window. Click Go$.$

Check "Solve Add$-$in$"$ box and press OK$.$

After you determine the best job assignment, indicate on your spreadsheet the minimum cost that the company will incur based on this assignment.

Save your assignment using a naming convention that includes your first and last name and the activity number $($or description$).$ Do not add punctuation or special characters.

Review the Problems Rubric for detailed grading information.