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What tool can be employed to resolve upstream delays that impact a system?
Visual factory
Continuous flow manufacturing
Prioritization matrices
Statistical process control
The correct answer is: Continuous flow manufacturing
Continuous flow manufacturing is a tool that is specifically designed to improve the efficiency of production processes by minimizing delays and ensuring that materials and products move seamlessly through the production system. This approach aligns production with demand, enabling a steady flow of work without interruptions, which directly addresses upstream delays that can affect the overall system’s performance. When employing continuous flow manufacturing, organizations aim to reduce inventory levels, eliminate bottlenecks, and decrease cycle times. By establishing a continuous flow, each step in the production process is synchronized with the subsequent steps, thereby reducing the likelihood of delays caused by work piling up at various points along the production line. Other options, while valuable tools in different contexts, do not primarily focus on resolving upstream delays in the same manner. For example, visual factories enhance communication and workflow visibility, while prioritization matrices help decision-making by evaluating options. Statistical process control monitors process performance through data but does not inherently address flow issues directly. Therefore, continuous flow manufacturing is the most effective choice for eliminating upstream delays and improving overall system flow.