To determine the required capacity for the process in 5 years, we need to calculate the planned capacity using the given information.

Step 1: Current capacity

• Current demand = 50 customers/day
• Current utilization = 90% (0.90)
• Capacity cushion = 10% (0.10)

The formula for calculating capacity using utilization is:

$\text{Capacity} = \frac{\text{Demand}}{\text{Utilization}}$

Using the given values:

$\text{Current capacity} = \frac{50}{0.90} = 55.56 \text{ customers/day}$

Step 2: Future demand

It is stated that demand will be 75% of the current level in 5 years:

$\text{Future demand} = 0.75 \times 50 = 37.5 \text{ customers/day}$

Step 3: Future capacity cushion

The desired capacity cushion is 5% (0.05). This means the future utilization will be 95% (1 - 0.05 = 0.95).

Step 4: Future capacity requirement

Now, using the future demand and desired utilization:

$\text{Future capacity} = \frac{\text{Future demand}}{\text{Future utilization}} = \frac{37.5}{0.95} = 39.47 \text{ customers/day}$

Conclusion:

The process should plan for a capacity requirement of approximately 39.47 customers per day in 5 years.

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Would you like more details or clarifications on any part of this?

Here are 5 related questions:

1. How does utilization affect capacity requirements?
2. What is the role of a capacity cushion in operations management?
3. How would an increase in future demand affect capacity planning?
4. What other factors could influence capacity planning aside from utilization and demand?
5. How can businesses ensure they are prepared for fluctuating future demand?

Tip: When planning for future capacity, consider both demand forecasts and potential efficiency improvements to ensure long-term sustainability.