The primary issue in this case revolves around meeting the increasing demand for the Parcel Guard product while maintaining efficiency and cost$-$effectiveness in production. Julia Martinelli, the vice$-$president of operations at Danby, faces the challenge of scaling up production capacity to meet the anticipated surge in demand for Parcel Guard units. There are several options presented in the case, including adding new workstations, adding a new production line, implementing additional shifts, or transitioning to a work cell approach.

Martinelli needs to decide on the best course of action to increase production capacity in a timely manner while considering factors such as labor costs, equipment investment, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.

As for the timeframe, Martinelli has until the end of the week to come up with a plan to address the impending increase in demand. This timeframe is crucial as any new equipment or operational changes need to be implemented in time to meet the initial surge in demand, which is expected to reach $600$ units per week initially and escalate further in the subsequent weeks. $1-$ What is the issue in this case? How long does Martinelli have to solve the issue?

$2-$ Draw the process flow diagram for Parcel Guard Production

$3-$ Determine the capacity for all resources in the process.

$4-$ Considering the expected increase in demand, which of the following would you propose: $($a$)$ adding two workstations to each line; $($b$)$ adding a third line; or $($c$)$ adding one or more production shifts? Be sure to support your decision with quantitative and qualitative analysis.