What condition is described when the total hours of work at a work center exceed its capacity?

The condition in which the total hours of work at a work center exceed its capacity is referred to as overload. When a work center is experiencing overload, it means that the demand for its services or output is greater than what it can handle given its available resources, such as labor, equipment, or time. This situation can lead to delays, increased lead times, and potential quality issues due to the strain on the resources within the work center.

Understanding overload is crucial for effective capacity planning, as it signals a need for adjustment—whether through resources reallocation, overtime, hiring additional staff, or investing in new equipment—to ensure that the work center can meet demand without compromising efficiency or quality. This concept is an essential part of master planning in resource management, emphasizing the balance required between capacity and workload in operational processes.