Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

To minimize costs associated with fixing a problem, it is best to find and fix the problem:

1. During the design phase

2. Just before shipping our product to the customer

3. Regardless of when you fix the problem

4. Immediately after we complete the last operation

The correct answer is: During the design phase

Finding and fixing a problem during the design phase is optimal for minimizing costs associated with addressing issues. When problems are identified early in the design phase, there is greater flexibility to make changes without incurring significant expense. Design adjustments usually involve lower costs related to materials, labor, and time compared to resolving issues that are discovered later in the production process or after a product has been completed. If issues are detected at later stages, such as immediately before shipping or after the final operation, the costs escalate due to the resources already allocated to production and potential disruptions to schedules. Additionally, fixing problems after a product is completed can lead to customer dissatisfaction, warranty claims, or potential recalls, which can have severe financial implications for a company. Therefore, addressing problems at the design stage not only supports cost-efficiency but also contributes to higher quality and customer satisfaction down the line.