Maximizing Shop Capacity

SHIFT Another option for increasing capacity is to add a second shift. This involves hiring additional technicians and service consultants to work during the second shift. The second shift can either be a full shift, such as from 5 P.M. to 1 A.M., or a partial shift, such as from 3 P.M. to 8 P.M. Adding a second shift can effectively double the capacity of the shop, but it requires a significant investment in personnel and equipment. Additionally, working late hours may not be desirable for some employees, and it may be difficult to find qualified technicians willing to work a second shift. This option should only be considered if the increased demand is sustained and long-term.

EXPANDING FACILITIES Another option for increasing capacity is to expand the physical space of the shop. This can involve adding more bays or workstations, expanding the waiting area or office space, or even building a new facility. Expanding facilities requires a significant investment in time and money, but it can provide a long-term solution for meeting increased demand. This option should only be considered if the increased demand is sustained and long-term, and if the shop has the financial resources to make the investment.

SIX-DAY WORKWEEK WITH TECHNICIAN ROTATION Another option for increasing capacity is to implement a six-day workweek with a technician rotation. This involves rotating technicians through a six-day workweek, with each technician working five days and having one day off. This can effectively increase the capacity of the shop by 20%, but it requires careful scheduling and coordination to ensure that each technician is working efficiently and effectively. Additionally, working six days a week may not be desirable for some employees, and it may be difficult to find qualified technicians willing to work on weekends. This option should only be considered if the increased demand is sustained and long-term, and if the shop has the personnel resources to implement the rotation.The text discusses two alternative options for increasing a shop's capacity without increasing overhead: adding a second shift or implementing a six-day rotation. Adding a second shift effectively doubles the capacity but requires a second crew and increased complexity in staffing and managing the department. It also requires coordination and intercommunication between employees and supervisors on the two distinct shifts and may face limitations in the availability of parts and supplies. Additionally, it may be difficult to recruit and retain qualified technicians willing to work non-traditional hours. The six-day rotation approach involves extending the length of each workday to ten hours and adding a full ten-hour workday on Saturdays, providing a 50 percent increase in capacity without increasing the average workweek of the individual employee. It requires coordination between workgroups but reduces delays in obtaining parts and supplies. Although there may be initial reluctance, the system also attracts highly qualified employees.