Lecture 4

Question 1

Types of layouts

Answer 1

-Functional - transformed resources do not move between transforming resources

-Fixed - similar resources or precesses are located together

-Cell - transformed resources go to a group of transforming resources to meet some
processing needs; entails grouping transforming resources with common purpose

-Product/Line - Locating transforming resources in a sequence defined by the processing needs of a product or service; transformed resources follow a pre-arranged route

Question 2

Pros and cons of functional layout

Answer 2

Advantages:
- High product and mix flexibility
- Relatively robust in the event of disruptions
- Relatively easy supervision of transforming resources

Disadvantages:
- Low utilization of facilities
- Can have a very high WIP or long customer queues
- Complex flow can be difficult to control

Question 3

Pros and cons of cell layout

Answer 3

Advantages:
- Gives a compromise between cost and flexibility for relatively high-variety operations
- Fast throughput
- Potential for good staff motivation

Disadvantages:
- Can be costly to rearrange existing layout
- Can require more space/equipment
- Can give lower equipment utilization

Question 4

Pros and cons of product/line layout

Answer 4

Advantages:
-Low unit costs for high volume
-Gives opportunites for specialization of equipment
-Materials or customer movement is convenient

Disadvantages:
-Can have low mix flexibility
-Not very robus in the event of disruptions
-Work can be repetitive

Question 5

Regarding the amount of volume, which layouts to use

Answer 5

Volume from low to high:
1. Fixed position
2. Functional
3. Cell
4. Line

Question 6

Balance loss meaning

Answer 6

part of the time in processing the product/service that is not used productively (in percents)

Question 7

Long - thin & short-fat processes

Answer 7

Long-thin layout (Sequential) - specialized in doing subtasks, a chain of some people dependant on each other

Short-fat layout (Parallel) - people performing full task, some people doing the whole process, all doing the same tasks

Question 8

Pros and cons of fixed layout

Answer 8

Advantages:
- Very high product and mix flexibility
- Product or customer not moved or disturbed
- High variety of tasks for staff

Disadvantages:
- Very high unit costs
- Scheduling of space and activities can be difficult (1 unit > 1 position)
- Can mean a lot of movement of equipment and staff

Question 9

Advantages of Sequential VS Parallel layout

Answer 9

Sequential (Long-thin):
-Controlled flow of items
-Simple handling
-Lower capital requirements
-More efficient operation

Parallel (Short-fat):
-Higher mix flexibility
-Higher volume flexibility
-Higher robustness
-Less monotonous work