Modern car assembly lines involve hundreds of steps performed in precise sequence. If a single station experiences a delay—say, a worker takes too long installing a dashboard—the entire line might halt. Toyota pioneered the 'andon cord' system, allowing any worker to stop the line when they notice a problem, preventing defective products from moving forward.
It can be inferred from the text that
assembly lines function best when workers cannot stop production
the interdependence of assembly line steps means problems at one point can affect the entire process
Toyota's system was designed to increase production speed above all else
dashboard installation is the most difficult step in car manufacturing
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. One delay can halt the entire line.
- Context clues: A single station delay might halt "the entire line."
- Meaning: Each step depends on others, so problems propagate through the system.
- Verify: The andon cord system exists because problems at one point affect everything.
💡 Strategy: When a system is described as sequential with cascading effects, infer interdependence.
Choice A is incorrect because Toyota gave workers the power to stop the line. Choice C is incorrect because stopping for quality takes precedence over speed. Choice D is incorrect because dashboard installation is used as an example, not as the hardest step.