This article throws light upon the five main types of layout. The types are: 1. Plant Layout 2. Process Layout 3. Product Layout 4. Combination Layout 5. Fixed Position Layout.
Type # 1. Plant Layout:
Plant layout means the disposition of the various facilities (equipments, material, manpower, etc.) and services of the plant within the area of the site selected previously. Plant layout begins with the design of the factory building and goes up to the location and movement of a work table. All the facilities like equipments, raw materials, machinery, tools, futures, workers, etc. are given a proper place. In deciding the place for equipment, the supervisors and workers who have to operate them should be consulted.
Objectives of Good Plant Layout:
In a good plant layout:
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(1) Material handling and transportation is minimized and efficiently controlled.
(2) Bottlenecks and points of congestions are eliminated (by line balancing) so that the raw material and semi-finished goods move fast from one work station to another.
(3) Work stations are designed suitably and properly.
(4) Suitable spaces are allocated to production centres and service centres.
(5) The movements made by the workers are minimized.
(6) Waiting time of the semi-finished products is minimized.
(7) Working conditions are safer, better (well ventilated rooms, etc.) and improved.
(8) There is increased flexibility for changes in product design and for future expansion.