Operations Management: Layout Classification

In a production or assembly line, the arrangement of people, equipment, or departments in a series of workstations forms a circular layout.

One of the advantages of an assembly line is that it allows for high flexibility to changes in volume or product design.

Process layouts are used for continuous workflow and high-volume production.

One of the advantages of an assembly line is that it allows for individual incentive plans.

Low material handling cost per unit is an advantage of an assembly line.

Preventive maintenance, capacity for quick repair, and spare-parts inventories are unnecessary expenses in an assembly line.

A layout refers to the configuration of departments, work centers, and equipment, with particular emphasis on movement of work within the system.

Layout decisions are not important because they require minimal investments of money and effort.

The basic objective of layout design is to minimize production time or customer service time.

Product layouts are often used for one-off or job production.

A key supporting objective of layout design is to minimize material handling costs.

Layout design should prioritize worker safety above all other considerations.

Process layouts are commonly used in manufacturing environments such as machine shops.

Process layouts are only used in manufacturing environments.

Process layouts can handle a variety of processing requirements.

Equipment utilization rates are high in process layouts.

Material handling is fast and efficient in process layouts.

Process layouts are not vulnerable to equipment failures.