To determine the latest week that the order can be started and still be ready to ship on time, we need to consider the lead time for manufacturing the end item.
Let's say the lead time for manufacturing the end item is 4 weeks. This means that it takes 4 weeks from the start of production until the item is ready to ship.
If the order is scheduled to be shipped at the start of week 11, and it takes 4 weeks to manufacture the item, then the latest week that the order can be started is:
\[ \text{Latest start week} = \text{Shipping week} - \text{Lead time} \]
\[ \text{Latest start week} = 11 - 4 = 7 \]
So, the latest week that the order can be started and still be ready to ship on time is week 7.
