As a waste-reduction strategy, you should only cut the shortest over-size pieces to the necessary lengths.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Optional

Answer: (A)

Minimizing trim waste is a fundamental waste-reduction approach. When you need a specific final length, using stock that is only slightly longer and trimming just enough to reach that length keeps the amount removed (and thus scrap) as small as possible. The shorter the overage, the less material you waste in the process, and the more potential there is to repurpose or reuse the trimmed piece. If you used much longer stock, you’d have to remove far more material to reach the target length, creating more scrap. So choosing the shortest over-size pieces to cut to the required lengths best minimizes waste.