Types of layout
a>product or line layout
b>Process or functional layout
c>Fixed position layout
a> product or line layout = if all the processing equipment and machines are arranged according to the
sequence of operations of the product the layout is called product type of layout
Advantages offered by product layout
Lowest total material handling first
There is less work in processes
Better utilisation of men and machines
Less floor area is occupied by material in transit and for temporary storages
Greater simplicity of production control
Total production time is also minimised
Limitations of product layout
No flexibility which is generally required obtained in this layout
Specialised and strict supervision is essential
B>
Process or functional layout> the process layout is particularly useful where will
you volume of production is needed if the products are not standardized the
process layout is more low desirable because it has greater process flexibility than
other
Advantages of process layout
Better utilisation of equipment available is possible there will be less replication of Machines the total
investment in equipment purchase will be reduced
, breakdown of equipment can be easily handled by transferring work to another machine / workstation
Limitations of process layout
There are long material flow lines and hence the expensive handling is required
Total production circle time is more owning to long distance and waiting at various points generally
more floor area is required
Since my work in in sequence waiting for further operation hence bottleneck occur
C>
Fixed position layout
This type of layout is least important for today's manufacturing industries
in this type of layout the major component remain in fixed location other materials parts tools,
machinery, manpower and other supporting equipments are brought to location
Advantages offered by fixed position layout
Material movement is reduced
Capital investment is minimised
The task is usually done by gang of operations hence continuity of operation is insured
Limitations of fixed position layout
Highly skilled manpower is required
Movement of Machines equipments to production Centre may be time consuming
Complicated fixtures may be for positioning of jobs and tools
Combination type of layout
Generally the layout used in industries are the compromise of above-mentioned layouts every layout
has got certain advantages and limitations therefore Industries would like to use any type of layout as
such flexibility is very important so layout should be such way which can be molded according to the
requirements of industry without much investment