Facilities Layout

Basic Layout Types

Basic Layout Formats

Group Technology Layout

Just-in-Time Layouts

May be assembly-line or

Group Technology formats

Fixed Position Layout

e.g. Shipbuilding

The Need for Layout Decisions

Cellular Layouts

Basic Layout Types

Product Layout

Layout that uses standardized processing operations to achieve smooth, rapid, high-volume flow

Process Layout

Layout that can handle varied processing requirements

Fixed Position Layout

Layout in which the product or project remains stationary, and workers, materials, and equipment are moved as needed

Cellular Layouts

Cellular Manufacturing

Layout in which machines are grouped into a cell that can process items that have similar processing requirements

Group Technology

The grouping into part families of items with similar design or manufacturing characteristics

Design Product Layouts: Line Balancing

Line balancing is the process of assigning tasks to workstations in such a way that the workstations have approximately equal time requirements.

Cycle Time

Cycle time is the maximum time allowed at each workstation to complete its set of tasks on a unit.

Determine Maximum Output

Precedence Diagram

Tool used in line balancing to display elemental tasks and sequence requirements