Skill v1.0.0
currentAutomated scan100/100name: capacity-planning description: When the user wants to plan production or distribution capacity, analyze capacity requirements, optimize resource utilization, or balance capacity with demand. Also use when the user mentions "capacity analysis," "resource planning," "bottleneck analysis," "capacity expansion," "load balancing," "throughput planning," "utilization optimization," or "capacity modeling." For production scheduling, see master-production-scheduling. For long-term network capacity, see network-design. metadata: version: "1.0.0"
Capacity Planning
You are an expert in capacity planning and resource optimization. Your goal is to help organizations match capacity with demand, optimize resource utilization, identify bottlenecks, and make cost-effective capacity investment decisions.
Initial Assessment
Before developing capacity plans, understand:
- Planning Context
- What type of capacity? (production, warehouse, transportation, labor)
- Planning horizon? (short-term loading, tactical planning, strategic investment)
- Current capacity utilization rates?
- Known capacity constraints or bottlenecks?
- Demand Profile
- Demand forecast and variability?
- Seasonality patterns?
- Growth expectations?
- Product mix changes expected?
- Current State
- Existing capacity levels?
- Equipment, facilities, headcount?
- Operating schedules (shifts, days/week)?
- Current performance (OEE, yield, throughput)?
- Constraints & Requirements
- Service level targets?
- Budget constraints for expansion?
- Lead times for capacity additions?
- Union agreements or labor rules?
- Regulatory requirements?
Capacity Planning Framework
Types of Capacity Planning
1. Long-Term Strategic Capacity Planning
- Horizon: 2-5+ years
- Focus: Major investments, facility additions
- Decisions: Build new plant? Add warehouse? Outsource?
- Approach: Scenario analysis, economic modeling
2. Medium-Term Tactical Capacity Planning
- Horizon: 3-18 months
- Focus: Adjust workforce, add equipment, modify schedules
- Decisions: Hire staff? Add shift? Lease equipment?
- Approach: Aggregate planning, linear programming
3. Short-Term Operational Capacity Planning
- Horizon: Days to weeks
- Focus: Load balancing, scheduling, overtime
- Decisions: How to allocate work? Overtime? Outsource batch?
- Approach: Scheduling algorithms, queuing theory
Capacity Strategies
Leading Strategy
- Add capacity in anticipation of demand
- Ensures availability, avoids stockouts
- Higher costs, risk of underutilization
- Best for: Growing markets, high service requirements
Lagging Strategy
- Add capacity only after demand materializes
- Lower costs, minimizes waste
- Risk of lost sales, poor service
- Best for: Uncertain demand, cost-sensitive markets
Matching Strategy
- Closely match capacity to demand
- Balance of cost and service
- Requires flexible capacity options
- Best for: Moderate growth, predictable demand
Cushion Strategy
- Maintain buffer capacity above expected demand
- Handles variability and surges
- Higher fixed costs but operational flexibility
- Best for: High variability, premium service
Capacity Analysis Methods
Capacity Measurement
Production Capacity Metrics:
1. Design Capacity
- Maximum possible output under ideal conditions
- Theoretical maximum
2. Effective Capacity
- Capacity under normal working conditions
- Accounts for breaks, maintenance, changeovers
3. Actual Output
- What's currently achieved
- Reality of operations
Key Formulas:
def calculate_capacity_metrics(design_capacity, effective_capacity, actual_output):"""Calculate capacity utilization and efficiencyReturns:- utilization: actual / design capacity- efficiency: actual / effective capacity"""utilization = (actual_output / design_capacity) * 100efficiency = (actual_output / effective_capacity) * 100return {'utilization': utilization,'efficiency': efficiency,'design_capacity': design_capacity,'effective_capacity': effective_capacity,'actual_output': actual_output}# Exampledesign = 10000 # units per montheffective = 8500 # accounting for maintenance, breaksactual = 7500 # what's producedmetrics = calculate_capacity_metrics(design, effective, actual)print(f"Utilization: {metrics['utilization']:.1f}%") # 75%print(f"Efficiency: {metrics['efficiency']:.1f}%") # 88.2%
Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE):
def calculate_oee(availability, performance, quality):"""Calculate OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)Parameters:- availability: uptime / planned production time- performance: actual output / theoretical output at 100% speed- quality: good units / total units producedWorld-class OEE: > 85%"""oee = availability * performance * quality * 100return {'oee': oee,'availability': availability * 100,'performance': performance * 100,'quality': quality * 100}# Exampleavailability = 0.90 # 90% uptimeperformance = 0.85 # 85% of theoretical speedquality = 0.95 # 95% good unitsoee_metrics = calculate_oee(availability, performance, quality)print(f"OEE: {oee_metrics['oee']:.1f}%") # 72.7%
Bottleneck Analysis
Theory of Constraints (TOC):
import pandas as pdimport numpy as npdef identify_bottleneck(process_steps):"""Identify bottleneck in production processParameters:- process_steps: list of dicts with 'name', 'capacity_per_hour', 'hours_available'Returns bottleneck step and throughput"""df = pd.DataFrame(process_steps)# Calculate total capacity per perioddf['total_capacity'] = df['capacity_per_hour'] * df['hours_available']# Identify bottleneck (minimum capacity)bottleneck_idx = df['total_capacity'].idxmin()bottleneck = df.loc[bottleneck_idx]# System throughput limited by bottlenecksystem_throughput = bottleneck['total_capacity']# Calculate utilization based on bottleneckdf['utilization'] = (system_throughput / df['total_capacity']) * 100return {'bottleneck_step': bottleneck['name'],'system_throughput': system_throughput,'bottleneck_capacity': bottleneck['total_capacity'],'process_analysis': df}# Example: Manufacturing processprocess = [{'name': 'Cutting', 'capacity_per_hour': 100, 'hours_available': 160},{'name': 'Assembly', 'capacity_per_hour': 80, 'hours_available': 160},{'name': 'Testing', 'capacity_per_hour': 120, 'hours_available': 160},{'name': 'Packaging', 'capacity_per_hour': 90, 'hours_available': 160}]bottleneck_analysis = identify_bottleneck(process)print(f"Bottleneck: {bottleneck_analysis['bottleneck_step']}")print(f"System Throughput: {bottleneck_analysis['system_throughput']:,.0f} units/month")print("\nProcess Analysis:")print(bottleneck_analysis['process_analysis'])
Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR) Scheduling:
class DrumBufferRope:"""Theory of Constraints scheduling method- Drum: Bottleneck sets the pace- Buffer: Protect bottleneck from disruptions- Rope: Pull mechanism to control material release"""def __init__(self, bottleneck_capacity, buffer_time_days=3):self.bottleneck_capacity = bottleneck_capacityself.buffer_time = buffer_time_daysdef calculate_schedule(self, demand, lead_times):"""Create production schedule based on DBRParameters:- demand: array of daily demand- lead_times: dict of process step lead times"""schedule = []for day, daily_demand in enumerate(demand):# Bottleneck sets the pace (DRUM)bottleneck_output = min(daily_demand, self.bottleneck_capacity)# Buffer: Start production earlier to protect bottleneckbuffer_start_day = max(0, day - self.buffer_time)# Rope: Material release tied to bottleneck schedulematerial_release = bottleneck_outputschedule.append({'day': day,'demand': daily_demand,'bottleneck_output': bottleneck_output,'buffer_start': buffer_start_day,'material_release': material_release})return pd.DataFrame(schedule)# Example usagedbr = DrumBufferRope(bottleneck_capacity=800, buffer_time_days=3)# Daily demand for next 10 daysdemand = np.array([750, 850, 800, 900, 700, 800, 950, 800, 850, 800])lead_times = {'cutting': 1, 'assembly': 2, 'testing': 1}schedule = dbr.calculate_schedule(demand, lead_times)print(schedule)
Capacity Planning Models
Aggregate Planning (Linear Programming)
Objective: Minimize total costs while meeting demand
Decision Variables:
- Production quantity per period
- Workforce levels
- Overtime hours
- Inventory levels
- Subcontracting quantities
Costs:
- Regular time production
- Overtime production
- Hiring and firing
- Inventory holding
- Stockout/backorder
- Subcontracting
from pulp import *import pandas as pdimport numpy as npdef aggregate_planning(demand, costs, constraints, periods=12):"""Aggregate production planning optimizationParameters:- demand: array of demand by period- costs: dict with cost parameters- constraints: dict with capacity constraints- periods: planning horizonReturns optimal plan"""# Create problemprob = LpProblem("Aggregate_Planning", LpMinimize)# Decision variablesP = LpVariable.dicts("Production", range(periods), lowBound=0)W = LpVariable.dicts("Workforce", range(periods), lowBound=0, cat='Integer')O = LpVariable.dicts("Overtime", range(periods), lowBound=0)I = LpVariable.dicts("Inventory", range(periods), lowBound=0)H = LpVariable.dicts("Hire", range(periods), lowBound=0, cat='Integer')F = LpVariable.dicts("Fire", range(periods), lowBound=0, cat='Integer')B = LpVariable.dicts("Backorder", range(periods), lowBound=0)S = LpVariable.dicts("Subcontract", range(periods), lowBound=0)# Objective functionprob += lpSum([# Regular production costcosts['regular_cost'] * P[t] +# Workforce costcosts['labor_cost'] * W[t] +# Overtime costcosts['overtime_cost'] * O[t] +# Inventory holding costcosts['holding_cost'] * I[t] +# Hiring costcosts['hiring_cost'] * H[t] +# Firing costcosts['firing_cost'] * F[t] +# Backorder costcosts['backorder_cost'] * B[t] +# Subcontracting costcosts['subcontract_cost'] * S[t]for t in range(periods)])# Constraints# Initial conditionsinitial_workforce = constraints['initial_workforce']initial_inventory = constraints['initial_inventory']for t in range(periods):# Production capacity constraintprob += P[t] <= W[t] * constraints['units_per_worker'], f"Capacity_{t}"# Overtime capacityprob += O[t] <= W[t] * constraints['overtime_per_worker'], f"Overtime_{t}"# Subcontracting capacityprob += S[t] <= constraints['max_subcontract'], f"Subcontract_{t}"# Workforce balanceif t == 0:prob += W[t] == initial_workforce + H[t] - F[t], f"Workforce_{t}"else:prob += W[t] == W[t-1] + H[t] - F[t], f"Workforce_{t}"# Inventory balanceif t == 0:prob += I[t] == initial_inventory + P[t] + O[t] + S[t] - demand[t] + B[t], f"Inventory_{t}"else:prob += I[t] == I[t-1] + P[t] + O[t] + S[t] - demand[t] + B[t] - B[t-1], f"Inventory_{t}"# Minimum service level (max backorder)prob += B[t] <= demand[t] * constraints['max_backorder_pct'], f"Service_{t}"# Solveprob.solve(PULP_CBC_CMD(msg=0))# Extract resultsresults = {'status': LpStatus[prob.status],'total_cost': value(prob.objective),'production': [P[t].varValue for t in range(periods)],'workforce': [W[t].varValue for t in range(periods)],'overtime': [O[t].varValue for t in range(periods)],'inventory': [I[t].varValue for t in range(periods)],'hired': [H[t].varValue for t in range(periods)],'fired': [F[t].varValue for t in range(periods)],'backorders': [B[t].varValue for t in range(periods)],'subcontract': [S[t].varValue for t in range(periods)]}# Create summary DataFramedf = pd.DataFrame({'Period': range(1, periods + 1),'Demand': demand,'Production': results['production'],'Workforce': results['workforce'],'Overtime': results['overtime'],'Inventory': results['inventory'],'Backorders': results['backorders'],'Subcontract': results['subcontract']})results['summary'] = dfreturn results# Example usagedemand = np.array([1000, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2000, 1800,1600, 1400, 1300, 1200, 1100, 1000])costs = {'regular_cost': 50,'labor_cost': 2000, # per worker per period'overtime_cost': 75,'holding_cost': 5,'hiring_cost': 1000,'firing_cost': 1500,'backorder_cost': 100,'subcontract_cost': 80}constraints = {'initial_workforce': 40,'initial_inventory': 500,'units_per_worker': 30,'overtime_per_worker': 10,'max_subcontract': 500,'max_backorder_pct': 0.10}plan = aggregate_planning(demand, costs, constraints)print(f"Optimal Total Cost: ${plan['total_cost']:,.0f}")print("\nProduction Plan:")print(plan['summary'])
Capacity Requirements Planning (CRP)
Process:
- Start with Master Production Schedule (MPS)
- Explode to component requirements (BOM)
- Calculate work center loads
- Identify overload/underload periods
- Adjust capacity or schedule
import pandas as pdimport numpy as npimport matplotlib.pyplot as pltclass CapacityRequirementsPlanning:"""CRP - Calculate and analyze capacity requirementsbased on production schedule and routings"""def __init__(self, work_centers):"""Parameters:- work_centers: dict {name: {'capacity': hours, 'efficiency': 0-1}}"""self.work_centers = work_centersdef calculate_requirements(self, schedule, routings):"""Calculate capacity requirementsParameters:- schedule: DataFrame with 'product', 'period', 'quantity'- routings: dict {product: [(work_center, hours_per_unit)]}Returns DataFrame with requirements by work center and period"""requirements = []for idx, row in schedule.iterrows():product = row['product']period = row['period']quantity = row['quantity']# Get routing for productrouting = routings.get(product, [])for work_center, hours_per_unit in routing:total_hours = quantity * hours_per_unit# Adjust for efficiencyefficiency = self.work_centers[work_center]['efficiency']required_hours = total_hours / efficiencyrequirements.append({'period': period,'work_center': work_center,'product': product,'quantity': quantity,'hours_required': required_hours})df = pd.DataFrame(requirements)# Aggregate by work center and periodsummary = df.groupby(['period', 'work_center'])['hours_required'].sum().reset_index()# Add capacity and utilizationsummary['capacity'] = summary['work_center'].map(lambda wc: self.work_centers[wc]['capacity'])summary['utilization'] = (summary['hours_required'] / summary['capacity']) * 100summary['variance'] = summary['capacity'] - summary['hours_required']return summarydef identify_overloads(self, requirements, threshold=100):"""Identify periods/work centers with overloadParameters:- requirements: output from calculate_requirements- threshold: utilization % thresholdReturns overloaded resources"""overloads = requirements[requirements['utilization'] > threshold].copy()overloads = overloads.sort_values(['period', 'work_center'])return overloadsdef plot_capacity_profile(self, requirements):"""Visualize capacity requirements vs. available"""work_centers = requirements['work_center'].unique()fig, axes = plt.subplots(len(work_centers), 1,figsize=(12, 4 * len(work_centers)),squeeze=False)for i, wc in enumerate(work_centers):wc_data = requirements[requirements['work_center'] == wc]ax = axes[i, 0]# Plot capacity lineax.axhline(y=wc_data['capacity'].iloc[0],color='green', linestyle='--',linewidth=2, label='Capacity')# Plot requirementsax.bar(wc_data['period'], wc_data['hours_required'],alpha=0.7, label='Required')# Highlight overloadsoverload = wc_data[wc_data['utilization'] > 100]if not overload.empty:ax.bar(overload['period'], overload['hours_required'],color='red', alpha=0.7, label='Overload')ax.set_title(f'{wc} - Capacity Profile')ax.set_xlabel('Period')ax.set_ylabel('Hours')ax.legend()ax.grid(True, alpha=0.3)plt.tight_layout()return fig# Example usagework_centers = {'Cutting': {'capacity': 160, 'efficiency': 0.90},'Welding': {'capacity': 160, 'efficiency': 0.85},'Assembly': {'capacity': 160, 'efficiency': 0.92},'Inspection': {'capacity': 160, 'efficiency': 0.95}}crp = CapacityRequirementsPlanning(work_centers)# Production scheduleschedule = pd.DataFrame({'product': ['A', 'A', 'B', 'B', 'C', 'C'] * 3,'period': [1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2] * 3,'quantity': [100, 120, 80, 90, 60, 70] * 3})# Routings: hours per unit at each work centerroutings = {'A': [('Cutting', 0.5), ('Welding', 0.8), ('Assembly', 1.0), ('Inspection', 0.3)],'B': [('Cutting', 0.6), ('Assembly', 1.2), ('Inspection', 0.4)],'C': [('Cutting', 0.4), ('Welding', 1.0), ('Assembly', 0.8), ('Inspection', 0.2)]}# Calculate requirementsrequirements = crp.calculate_requirements(schedule, routings)print("Capacity Requirements:")print(requirements)# Identify overloadsoverloads = crp.identify_overloads(requirements)if not overloads.empty:print("\nOverloaded Resources:")print(overloads[['period', 'work_center', 'utilization', 'variance']])else:print("\nNo overloads detected")# Plotcrp.plot_capacity_profile(requirements)
Capacity Expansion Analysis
Economic Analysis of Capacity Investments
Net Present Value (NPV) Analysis:
import numpy as npdef npv_capacity_investment(initial_investment, annual_benefits,annual_costs, discount_rate, years):"""Calculate NPV of capacity investmentParameters:- initial_investment: upfront cost- annual_benefits: revenue increase per year- annual_costs: operating costs per year- discount_rate: cost of capital (e.g., 0.10 for 10%)- years: investment horizon"""cash_flows = [-initial_investment]for year in range(1, years + 1):net_benefit = annual_benefits - annual_costsdiscounted_benefit = net_benefit / ((1 + discount_rate) ** year)cash_flows.append(discounted_benefit)npv = sum(cash_flows)# Calculate IRR (Internal Rate of Return)irr = np.irr([-initial_investment] + [annual_benefits - annual_costs] * years)# Payback periodcumulative = -initial_investmentpayback = Nonefor year in range(1, years + 1):cumulative += (annual_benefits - annual_costs)if cumulative > 0 and payback is None:payback = yearreturn {'npv': npv,'irr': irr * 100,'payback_years': payback,'total_investment': initial_investment,'annual_net_benefit': annual_benefits - annual_costs}# Example: Evaluate new production lineinvestment_analysis = npv_capacity_investment(initial_investment=5_000_000,annual_benefits=2_000_000, # Increased revenueannual_costs=800_000, # Operating costsdiscount_rate=0.12, # 12% cost of capitalyears=10)print("Investment Analysis:")print(f" NPV: ${investment_analysis['npv']:,.0f}")print(f" IRR: {investment_analysis['irr']:.1f}%")print(f" Payback: {investment_analysis['payback_years']} years")if investment_analysis['npv'] > 0:print("\n✓ Investment is financially viable")else:print("\n✗ Investment is not viable at this discount rate")
Decision Tree Analysis for Capacity Timing
import matplotlib.pyplot as pltimport numpy as npclass CapacityDecisionTree:"""Decision tree for capacity expansion timingunder demand uncertainty"""def __init__(self):self.scenarios = []def add_scenario(self, name, probability, demand_growth,expand_now_cost, expand_later_cost,revenue_per_unit, shortage_cost):"""Add demand scenario"""self.scenarios.append({'name': name,'probability': probability,'demand_growth': demand_growth,'expand_now_cost': expand_now_cost,'expand_later_cost': expand_later_cost,'revenue_per_unit': revenue_per_unit,'shortage_cost': shortage_cost})def evaluate_expand_now(self, current_capacity, periods=5):"""Calculate expected value of expanding now"""ev = 0for scenario in self.scenarios:# Cost of expanding nowcost = -scenario['expand_now_cost']# Benefits over periodsfor period in range(1, periods + 1):demand = current_capacity * (1 + scenario['demand_growth']) ** periodcapacity_after_expansion = current_capacity * 1.5 # Assume 50% expansion# Revenue from meeting demandserved = min(demand, capacity_after_expansion)revenue = served * scenario['revenue_per_unit']# Discountdiscounted_revenue = revenue / (1.10 ** period)cost += discounted_revenue# Weight by probabilityev += cost * scenario['probability']return evdef evaluate_expand_later(self, current_capacity, expand_period=3, periods=5):"""Calculate expected value of expanding later"""ev = 0for scenario in self.scenarios:cost = 0for period in range(1, periods + 1):demand = current_capacity * (1 + scenario['demand_growth']) ** periodif period < expand_period:# Before expansion: limited by current capacityserved = min(demand, current_capacity)shortage = max(0, demand - current_capacity)revenue = served * scenario['revenue_per_unit']shortage_penalty = shortage * scenario['shortage_cost']discounted_value = (revenue - shortage_penalty) / (1.10 ** period)elif period == expand_period:# Expansion happensexpansion_cost = -scenario['expand_later_cost']served = min(demand, current_capacity * 1.5)revenue = served * scenario['revenue_per_unit']discounted_value = (expansion_cost + revenue) / (1.10 ** period)else:# After expansionserved = min(demand, current_capacity * 1.5)revenue = served * scenario['revenue_per_unit']discounted_value = revenue / (1.10 ** period)cost += discounted_value# Weight by probabilityev += cost * scenario['probability']return evdef evaluate_no_expansion(self, current_capacity, periods=5):"""Calculate expected value of not expanding"""ev = 0for scenario in self.scenarios:cost = 0for period in range(1, periods + 1):demand = current_capacity * (1 + scenario['demand_growth']) ** period# Limited by current capacityserved = min(demand, current_capacity)shortage = max(0, demand - current_capacity)revenue = served * scenario['revenue_per_unit']shortage_penalty = shortage * scenario['shortage_cost']discounted_value = (revenue - shortage_penalty) / (1.10 ** period)cost += discounted_value# Weight by probabilityev += cost * scenario['probability']return evdef recommend(self, current_capacity):"""Determine optimal capacity decision"""ev_now = self.evaluate_expand_now(current_capacity)ev_later = self.evaluate_expand_later(current_capacity)ev_no = self.evaluate_no_expansion(current_capacity)results = {'expand_now': ev_now,'expand_later': ev_later,'no_expansion': ev_no}best_option = max(results, key=results.get)return {'recommendation': best_option,'expected_values': results,'best_ev': results[best_option]}# Example usagedt = CapacityDecisionTree()# Add demand scenariosdt.add_scenario(name='High Growth',probability=0.30,demand_growth=0.15,expand_now_cost=10_000_000,expand_later_cost=12_000_000,revenue_per_unit=100,shortage_cost=50)dt.add_scenario(name='Moderate Growth',probability=0.50,demand_growth=0.08,expand_now_cost=10_000_000,expand_later_cost=12_000_000,revenue_per_unit=100,shortage_cost=50)dt.add_scenario(name='Low Growth',probability=0.20,demand_growth=0.03,expand_now_cost=10_000_000,expand_later_cost=12_000_000,revenue_per_unit=100,shortage_cost=50)# Get recommendationcurrent_capacity = 100000 # units per yearrecommendation = dt.recommend(current_capacity)print("Capacity Expansion Decision Analysis:")print(f"\nExpected Values:")for option, ev in recommendation['expected_values'].items():print(f" {option}: ${ev:,.0f}")print(f"\n✓ Recommendation: {recommendation['recommendation'].upper()}")print(f" Expected Value: ${recommendation['best_ev']:,.0f}")
Flexible Capacity Strategies
Options for Capacity Flexibility
1. Workforce Flexibility
- Cross-trained workers
- Temporary labor
- Overtime capability
- Variable shifts
2. Equipment Flexibility
- Flexible manufacturing systems
- Quick changeover capability
- Mobile equipment
- Shared equipment pools
3. Facility Flexibility
- Modular facilities
- Multi-product capable
- Scalable layouts
- Shared warehousing
4. Partnership Flexibility
- Contract manufacturing
- Co-packing arrangements
- 3PL relationships
- Supplier flexibility
Flexibility Valuation:
def value_of_flexibility(demand_scenarios, fixed_capacity,flexible_capacity, flexibility_cost):"""Calculate value of flexible capacity using real options approachParameters:- demand_scenarios: list of (probability, demand) tuples- fixed_capacity: base capacity level- flexible_capacity: additional flexible capacity available- flexibility_cost: cost per unit of flexible capacityReturns value of flexibility option"""# Expected value with fixed capacity onlyev_fixed = 0for prob, demand in demand_scenarios:served = min(demand, fixed_capacity)revenue = served * 100 # Revenue per unitshortage_cost = max(0, demand - fixed_capacity) * 50ev_fixed += prob * (revenue - shortage_cost)# Expected value with flexibilityev_flexible = 0for prob, demand in demand_scenarios:# Use flexible capacity only if neededif demand > fixed_capacity:flexible_used = min(demand - fixed_capacity, flexible_capacity)total_served = fixed_capacity + flexible_usedelse:flexible_used = 0total_served = demandrevenue = total_served * 100flexibility_usage_cost = flexible_used * flexibility_costshortage_cost = max(0, demand - total_served) * 50ev_flexible += prob * (revenue - flexibility_usage_cost - shortage_cost)value_of_flexibility = ev_flexible - ev_fixedreturn {'ev_without_flexibility': ev_fixed,'ev_with_flexibility': ev_flexible,'value_of_flexibility': value_of_flexibility,'flexibility_cost': flexible_capacity * flexibility_cost}# Exampledemand_scenarios = [(0.20, 8000), # Low demand(0.50, 10000), # Expected demand(0.30, 13000) # High demand]result = value_of_flexibility(demand_scenarios=demand_scenarios,fixed_capacity=10000,flexible_capacity=3000,flexibility_cost=15 # Extra cost per unit for flexible capacity)print("Flexibility Analysis:")print(f" EV without flexibility: ${result['ev_without_flexibility']:,.0f}")print(f" EV with flexibility: ${result['ev_with_flexibility']:,.0f}")print(f" Value of flexibility: ${result['value_of_flexibility']:,.0f}")if result['value_of_flexibility'] > result['flexibility_cost']:print(f"\n✓ Flexibility is valuable (worth ${result['value_of_flexibility']:,.0f})")else:print(f"\n✗ Flexibility not cost-effective")
Tools & Libraries
Python Libraries
Optimization:
pulp: Linear programming for aggregate planningpyomo: Advanced optimization modelingscipy.optimize: Optimization algorithmsgekko: Dynamic optimization
Simulation:
simpy: Discrete-event simulationnumpy: Numerical computationspandas: Data analysis
Visualization:
matplotlib,seaborn: Charts and graphsplotly: Interactive dashboardsnetworkx: Process flow diagrams
Commercial Software
Capacity Planning Systems:
- SAP APO: Advanced Planning & Optimization
- Oracle ASCP: Advanced Supply Chain Planning
- Kinaxis RapidResponse: S&OP with capacity planning
- Blue Yonder: Capacity planning modules
- Anaplan: Cloud planning platform
Simulation:
- AnyLogic: Multi-method simulation
- Arena: Discrete-event simulation
- Simio: 3D simulation with capacity analysis
ERP Capacity Planning:
- SAP: Work Center Planning, CRP
- Oracle: Capacity Requirements Planning
- Microsoft Dynamics: Capacity Planning
- Infor: Production Capacity Planning
Common Challenges & Solutions
Challenge: Uncertain Demand
Problem:
- Hard to size capacity
- Risk of over/under investment
- Volatility makes planning difficult
Solutions:
- Scenario planning and sensitivity analysis
- Build in flexibility (temporary labor, overtime, outsourcing)
- Modular capacity additions (smaller increments)
- Postponement strategies
- Real options analysis for timing
Challenge: Lumpy Capacity Additions
Problem:
- Can't add small increments
- Must add entire production line or facility
- Creates periods of over-capacity
Solutions:
- Phased expansion plans
- Start with higher utilization targets
- Alternative uses for excess capacity (contract production)
- Financial analysis with longer payback periods
- Consider leasing vs. buying
Challenge: Bottleneck Shifting
Problem:
- Expand one resource, bottleneck moves elsewhere
- Whack-a-mole problem
- Unbalanced capacity
Solutions:
- System-wide capacity analysis (not just one resource)
- Theory of Constraints approach
- Balanced capacity investments
- Buffer inventories at bottlenecks
- Process redesign to eliminate bottlenecks
Challenge: Long Lead Times
Problem:
- Takes 12-24+ months to add capacity
- Demand may change by then
- Hard to react quickly
Solutions:
- Leading capacity strategy (anticipate growth)
- Modular/flexible facilities (faster deployment)
- Pre-engineered solutions
- Partnerships for quick capacity (contract manufacturing)
- Continuous planning and forecasting
Challenge: Seasonal Demand
Problem:
- Need capacity for peak, idle rest of year
- High fixed costs
- Utilization swings
Solutions:
- Flexible workforce (temporary, seasonal hires)
- Build inventory in low season for high season
- Produce complementary products (counter-seasonal)
- Demand smoothing (promotions in off-season)
- Outsource peak production
Output Format
Capacity Plan Report
Executive Summary:
- Current capacity status and utilization
- Demand forecast and capacity gaps
- Recommended capacity strategy
- Investment requirements and timeline
Current State Analysis:
| Resource | Available Capacity | Current Utilization | Effective Capacity | OEE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | 10,000 units/mo | 85% | 8,500 units/mo | 72% | |
| Line 2 | 8,000 units/mo | 92% | 7,360 units/mo | 78% | |
| Warehouse | 50,000 sq ft | 78% | 39,000 sq ft | N/A | |
| Labor | 120 FTE | 88% | 105.6 FTE | N/A |
Capacity Requirements Forecast:
| Period | Demand Forecast | Required Capacity | Current Capacity | Gap | Utilization | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | 15,000 | 15,750 | 18,000 | -2,250 | 88% | |
| Q2 2025 | 17,500 | 18,375 | 18,000 | +375 | 102% | |
| Q3 2025 | 19,000 | 19,950 | 18,000 | +1,950 | 111% | |
| Q4 2025 | 20,000 | 21,000 | 18,000 | +3,000 | 117% |
Bottleneck Analysis:
- Current Bottleneck: Assembly line (8,000 units/month capacity)
- Impact: Limits system throughput to 8,000 units/month
- Constraint Duration: Expected through Q3 2025
- Recommended Action: Add second assembly line
Capacity Strategy Recommendation:
Option 1: Expand Now (Recommended)
- Add assembly line and warehouse space
- Investment: $3.5M
- Timeline: Ready by Q2 2025
- NPV: $2.1M (10-year horizon)
- Avoids shortage costs and lost revenue
Option 2: Flexible Capacity
- Use contract manufacturing for 20% of volume
- Variable cost: +$15/unit
- Lower fixed investment
- Maintains service during growth
Option 3: Delay Expansion
- Wait until Q3 2025
- Risk of lost sales: $1.2M
- Lower upfront investment
- Higher long-term costs
Implementation Plan:
- Month 1-2: Finalize design and vendors
- Month 3-4: Equipment procurement
- Month 5-6: Installation and testing
- Month 7: Production ramp-up
- Month 8: Full capacity achieved
Questions to Ask
If you need more context:
- What type of capacity? (production, warehouse, transportation, labor)
- What's the planning horizon? (short-term, tactical, strategic)
- Current capacity utilization rates?
- Demand forecast and growth expectations?
- Known bottlenecks or constraints?
- Budget available for capacity investments?
- Service level requirements?
- Current operating schedule (shifts, days per week)?
Related Skills
- master-production-scheduling: For detailed production scheduling
- demand-forecasting: For capacity requirements forecasting
- sales-operations-planning: For integrated capacity planning in S&OP
- network-design: For facility capacity in network optimization
- production-scheduling: For shop floor capacity utilization
- scenario-planning: For capacity planning under uncertainty
- workforce-scheduling: For labor capacity planning
- facility-location-problem: For location-capacity decisions