What do time fences and zones help manage?

Time fences and zones are critical tools in supply chain management, particularly when it comes to the master scheduling process. They serve to define periods within which certain rules apply regarding changes to the schedule. This helps organizations manage changes effectively, as it limits the flexibility to alter schedules outside of predefined time frames.

By establishing these boundaries, organizations can better control how changes, such as order modifications or cancellations, impact production and inventory levels. This reduces the likelihood of disruptions, allowing for a more stable and predictable operational environment. In essence, time fences segment planning horizons into phases that dictate how responsive the system can be to various changes, ultimately aiding in the overall stability of the master schedule.

The other choices focus on different aspects of supply chain and workforce management, which are not directly related to the specific function of time fences and zones. Transportation of goods, customer demand variability, and employee workloads each have their own strategies and tools that do not encompass the scheduling and change management that time fences and zones specifically address.