If a customer requests 100 parts and the team can only produce 80, what is the preferred method for the team to reduce the shortfall?

Re-allocating equipment and human resources is the preferred method to reduce the shortfall in production capacity, as it directly addresses the issue by optimizing current resources to maximize output. By analyzing the production workflow and distributing tasks or machinery more efficiently, the team may be able to enhance productivity and meet customer demands more effectively. This approach allows for potential improvements or adjustments in operations without altering the customer’s order or relying on external sources.

Changing the customer order could lead to dissatisfaction if the alterations do not meet the customer’s expectations or requirements. Extending the deadline might provide temporary relief but does not solve the underlying issue of production capacity. Outsourcing the remaining parts may also be a viable option but could introduce additional costs, quality control challenges, and dependency on external suppliers, which might not align with the team’s resources and capabilities. Therefore, reallocating resources is typically the most strategic and immediate solution to closing the gap in production.