Cell Clustering

Question 1

cell manufacturing

Answer 1

is the physical division of the manufacturing facilities
into production cells

Question 2

Similarity
Coefficients (𝑺𝒊𝒋)

Answer 2

𝑺𝒊𝒋 = 𝒙𝒊𝒋 / 𝒙𝒊𝒋 + 𝒙𝒋𝒋

number of parts
visiting both machines (𝒙𝒊𝒋)

number of parts
visiting one (𝒙𝒋𝒋)

Question 3

how do you work out which manufacturing processes should be placed together

Answer 3

work out their Similarity
Coefficients then divide into families

Question 4

Sometimes more than one parts family need a key machine

Answer 4

Engineers must decide to either replicate the common machine or share it
between the cells

Question 5

what are the maximum possible number of clusters

Answer 5

(N-1)N / 2

number of parts (N)

Question 6

process layout vs group layout

Answer 6

Process (Functional) layout:
* Arranges equipment and workstations by similar processes or functions.
* Lower initial setup costs but higher operational costs due to inefficiencies, items moving between departments as needed
* Low production volume with high product variability
* e.g., custom machine parts

Group (cellular) layout
* Combines equipment and workstations into groups (or cells) to process a specific family of products
* Higher initial setup costs but lower operational costs once optimized
* Moderate to high production volume of similar products.