$($a$).$ Consider the following configuration of machines, which represent an unbalanced line with multi$-$machine stations.

Station

Number

$1$

$2$

$3$

Total

Number of

Machines

$3$

$6$

$4$

$13$

Process

Time

$3$ mts

$8$ mts

$5$ mts

$16$ mts

There is a proposal to replace these $13$ machines by a modern super fast computer controlled machine which will perform all the operations of station numbers $1$ to $3,$ with a processing time of $7$ mts per job. This new machine requires only two skilled operators and there is expected to be considerable savings in electricity cost $/$ unit of production too.

Evaluate the proposal.