Facility Planning and Design

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Questions and Answers

What type of layout is typically used for projects that cannot be moved, such as ships or airplanes?

Cellular layout

Assembly line layout

Product layout

Fixed-position layout (correct)

What is a characteristic of a fixed-position layout?

Low fixed costs (correct)

High equipment utilization

Highly variable production volumes

Lowly skilled labor

What is a challenge of working with a fixed-position layout?

Coordinating with suppliers

Dealing with limited space at the project site (correct)

Managing a large workforce

Maintaining equipment

What is a characteristic of workers in a cell layout?

They are trained to do any task in the production process Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical size of a work cell in a cellular layout?

5-10 workers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a work cell in a cellular layout?

To perform all or most tasks necessary to complete a manufacturing order Signup and view all the answers

What is one way that facilities can provide a competitive edge?

By enabling and leveraging the latest process concepts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a facility layout?

To ensure a smooth flow of work, material, people, and information Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of effective layouts?

They can have many different objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a facility that can be designed with flexibility in mind?

A classroom with desks on wheels Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of designing a facility with a t-shaped layout?

It enables deliveries to be made directly to points of use Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the arrangement of activities, processes, departments, workstations, storage areas, aisles, and common areas within a facility?

Facility layout Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of a layout strategy?

To develop an effective and efficient layout that meets the firm's competitive requirements Signup and view all the answers

What type of layout is used for low-volume, high-variety production?

Process-oriented layout Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of improved employee morale in a layout strategy?

Safer working conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary objectives of a good layout in a facility?

To minimize movement and material handling costs Signup and view all the answers

What type of layout is used for allocating shelf space and responding to customer behavior?

Retail layout Signup and view all the answers

Which type of facility layout arranges the workflow around the production process?

Process layout Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of improved flow of information in a layout strategy?

Improved employee morale Signup and view all the answers

What type of layout addresses the layout requirements of large, bulky projects such as ships and buildings?

Fixed-position layout Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a product layout?

Products pass from one workstation to another, but not necessarily to every workstation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of a good facility layout?

Improved product and service quality Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advantages of a process layout?

It facilitates communication between workers and supervisors Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the goals of a good facility layout?

To eliminate bottlenecks Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of the U-shaped line layout?

Reduced employee movement and enhanced communication Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of product-oriented layouts?

Volume is adequate for high equipment utilization Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of balancing assembly and fabrication lines?

To ensure that the time to perform work at each station is the same Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of product-oriented layouts?

Easier training and supervision Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of the current layout?

Straight lines make it hard to balance tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for product-oriented layouts?

Standardized or near-standardized products Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Facility Planning and Design

Effective facility planning enhances competitive advantage and productivity through modern design concepts.
Incorporates technologies that enable flexibility in response to product or service changes, and demand variations.
Layouts can include innovative designs such as T-shaped buildings and mobile desks for dynamic work environments.

Facility Layout

Arrangement of activities, processes, workspaces, and storage areas is crucial for operational efficiency.
Primary goal of layout design is to facilitate smooth workflows of materials, people, and information.

Importance of Good Layout

Minimizes movement and material handling costs.
Optimizes space and labor utilization.
Reduces bottlenecks and manufacturing cycle times.
Enhances communication and interaction among employees and with customers.
Aids safety measures, promotes product quality, and improves maintenance activities.
Allows for flexibility in adapting to changes and boosts employee morale.

Types of Facility Layouts

Process Layout

Grouping of similar tasks and equipment to streamline workflow.
Common in manufacturing settings where processes are functionally organized.

Product Layout

Organizes workstations in a sequence that reflects the production process.
Promotes teamwork by involving members from inception to completion.
Uses flexible arrangements like U-shaped or O-shaped layouts.

Layout Strategies and Considerations

Global perspective on layouts exemplified by McDonald's.
Key considerations involve utilization of space, equipment, and workforce; improving information flow; and ensuring safer working conditions.

Types of Layouts

Office Layout: Enhances information movement and worker efficiency.
Retail Layout: Allocates space based on consumer behavior to maximize sales.
Warehouse Layout: Balances material handling with space efficiency.
Fixed-Position Layout: Common for large projects; product remains stationary while workers and machinery are flexible around it.
Process-Oriented Layout: Tailored for low-volume, high-variety production needs.

Fixed-Position Layout

Utilized for immovable products like ships or construction projects.
Workers and equipment come to the product’s location.
Compounded by factors like limited space and dynamic material needs.

Cellular Layouts

Combines elements of both product and fixed-position layouts.
Work cells consist of cross-trained employees to enhance communication and efficiency.
U-shaped designs improve access, reduce worker movement, and facilitate supervision.

Repetitive and Product-Oriented Layout

Configured around high-volume, low-variety products to ensure thorough equipment utilization.
Product demand stability justifies the investment in specialized machinery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Product-Oriented Layouts

Advantages include low costs per unit, reduced handling costs, and easier training processes.
Disadvantages can include challenges in balancing workloads and potential inefficiencies in task distribution.

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Description

This quiz introduces the importance of facility planning and design in gaining a competitive edge, improving quality and productivity, and leveraging technology. Learn how planned facilities can impact worker efficiency, production throughput, and respond to changes in product or service design.