Types of Plant Layout – what is plant layout in operations management? It begins with the design of the factory building and goes up to the location and movement of a work table. After discussing the objectives of plant layout, this article explains their types. The types of Plant Layout are the main three; process, product, and stationary layout, but in the modern world two extra types; combination and Fixed position Layout. All the facilities like equipment, raw materials, machinery, tools, futures, workers, etc. give a proper place. Show
Here is explain the what is plant layout in operations management. Types: process layout, product layout, stationary layout, combination layout, and Fixed position layout.There are three main types of plant layout in operations management: 1) Functional or process layout, 2) product or line layout, and 3) stationary layout. Other types; are 4) Combination and 5) Fixed Position Layout. However, the choice of one or the other type of layout depends upon the machines and techniques used in the production. Process Layout:It knows as the functional layout and stands characterized by keeping similar machines or similar operations at one location (place). In other words, separate departments establishing for each specialized operation of production, and machines relating to that functions assemble there. For example, all lathe machines will be in one place, all milling machines in another, and so on. This type of layout is generally employed for industries to engage in job order production and non-standardized products. Advantages of Process Layout:The following advantages of Process Layout below are;
Disadvantages of Process Layout:The following disadvantages of Process Layout below are;
Product Layout:It is also known as line (type) layout. It implies that various operations on a product are performed in a sequence and the machines are placed along the product flow line i.e. machines are arranged in the sequence upon which a given product will operate. This type of product layout prefers continuous production i.e. involving a continuous flow of in-process material towards the finished product stage. Advantages of Product Layout:The following advantages of the Product Layout below are; Automatic material handling, lesser material handling movements, time, and cost.
Disadvantages of Product Layout:The following disadvantages of the Product Layout below are;
Their clarification:It is now quite clear from the above discussion that both systems have their own merits and demerits. The Advantages of one type of layout are generally the disadvantages of other types. Thus to secure the advantage of both systems a combined layout may design. Static Product Layout or Project Layout or stationary Layout:The manufacturing operations require the movements of machines, and men materials, in the product layout and process layout generally the machines are fixed installations, and the operators are static in terms of their specified workstations. It is only the materials that move from operation to operation for processing. But where the product is large in size and heavy in weight, it tends to be static e.g. shipbuilding. In such a production system, the product remains static and men and machines move to perform the operations on the product. Advantages of stationary layout:The advantages of this stationary layout are as under:
Disadvantages of stationary layout:The disadvantages of this stationary layout are as under:
What is Plant layout in Operations Management? Types of Plant Layout: Process, Product, and Stationary. Combination Layout:A combination of process and product layouts combine the advantages of both types of plant layouts. Moreover, these days pure product or process layouts are rare. Most of the manufacturing sections are arranged in a process layout with manufacturing lines occurring here and there (scattered) wherever the conditions permit. A combination layout is possible where an item makes in different types and sizes. In such cases machinery arranges in a process layout but the process grouping (a group of the number of similar machines) then arranges in a sequence to manufacture various types and sizes of products. The point to note is that no matter whether the product varies in size and type, the sequence of operations remains the same or similar. A combination layout is also useful when several items producing in the same sequence but none of the items are to produce in bulk and thus no item justifies an individual and independent production line. For example, files, hacksaws, circular metal saws, wood saws, etc. can manufacture on a combination type of layout. Nowadays in the pure state, any one form of layout discuss above stands rarely found. Therefore, generally, the layouts used in industries are a compromise of the above-mentioned layouts. Every layout has got certain advantages and limitations. Therefore, industries would to like use any type of layout as such. Flexibility is a very important factor, so the layout should be such that it can mold according to the requirements of the industry, without much investment. If the good features of all types of layouts connect, a compromise solution can obtain which will be more economical and flexible. Fixed Position Layout:These types of plant layout are the least important for today’s manufacturing industries for operations management. In this type of layout, the major component remains in a fixed location, other materials, parts, tools, machinery, manpower, and other supporting equipment are brought to this location. In other types of layouts discussed earlier, the product moves past stationary production equipment, whereas in this case the reverse applies; men and equipment are moving to the material, which remains at one place and the product completes at that place where the material lies. The major component or body of the product remains in a fixed position because it is too heavy or too big and as such it is economical and convenient to bring the necessary tools and equipment to work along with the manpower. This type of layout uses in the manufacture of boilers, hydraulic and steam turbines and ships, etc. Advantages of Fixed Position Layout:The advantages of Fixed Position Layout are as under;
Disadvantages of Fixed Position Layout:The disadvantages of Fixed Position Layout are as under;
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