Page 218 - DMGT206_PRODUCTION_AND_OPERATIONS_MANAGEMENT

Unit 11: Facility Planning and Layout

The operations function in both manufacturing and service organizations can be divided into Notes
two basic types, intermittent and continuous, according to the volume and standardizing of the
product or service.
Different types of operations have different layout requirements. By their nature, layouts of the
facility are one of the most important strategic elements of a business enterprise. Many symptoms
of inappropriate business architecture appear as layout or material handling issues.

Example: In warehouses, materials flows and the cost of picking stocks are dominant
considerations; in retail outlets, customer convenience and sales may dominate; whereas in an
office, communication effectiveness and team building may be crucial.
Intermittent Operations: Intermittent operations are characterized by the work piece moving
from one group of machines to another. It finds application in made-to-order products, low
product volume, general-purpose equipment, labour-intense operations, interrupted product
flow, frequent schedule changes, and large product mix. An example is a machine shop. Figure
11.2 reflects a typical process layout.
Figure 11.2: Functional Process Layout

Receipt Lathes-A Grinding-E Assembly-F

Stores

Shaping-B Drilling-C Milling-D Inspection Stock

Continuous Operations: Standardized products of high product volume characterize continuous
operations. Special purpose equipment and capital-intensive operations with continuous product
flow characterize these layouts. There is a small product mix and products are made to store as
inventory, i.e., they are available off the shelf. The layout of continuous flow is shown in
Figure 11.3.
Figure 11.3: Layout for Continuous Operations

Raw Material Storage
Receipt Finished
Goods
Shipping

Fabri- Fabri-
Fabri- cation cation
cation ‘B’ ‘C’ Inspection
‘A’

Assembly Testing

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