Process Configuration Flashcards
Process configuration of an operation results from 2 things. Name them.
1) how it’s transforming resources are positioned relative to each other in terms of layout
2) how it’s various tasks are allocated to these transforming resources
Why is the layout of an operation important?
It is important because the layout of the facilities determines the way in which resources (materials, information and customers) flow through an operation. Relatively small changes can affect the flow through the operation which in turn affects the costs and the general effectiveness of the operation.
What does layout reflect?
Reflects the overall ethos and vision of the organisation. Ryan Air for example - layout is driven by cost effectiveness
What makes a good layout?
Objectives of any layout will depend on the strategic objectives of the operation but there are general objectives that apply to all layouts:
- Need to be safe
- Need to minimise the length of flow through the operation and make the flow clear
- Staff should be located away from the unpleasant parts of the operation
- Equipment should be accessible
- Should allow for flexibility over the long term
Define process configuration
The overall design and configuration of a process that determines the sequence of activities and flow of transformed resources b/w them
Define fixed position layout
Locating the position of a product/service such that it remains largely stationary while transforming resources are moved to and from it
Define functional or process layout
Layout where similar resources or processes are located together.
Define cell layout
Layout where transforming resources with a common purpose (such as processing the same type of product, serving similar types of customer etc) are located in close proximity (i.e. the cell)
Define product or line layout
Locating transforming resources in a sequence defined by the processing needs of a product or service
Define process types
Terms used to describe a particular general approach to managing processes.
What are the 5 process types in manufacturing/production operations?
These are:
1) Project
2) Jobbing
3) Batch
4) Mass production
5) Continuous production
What are the 3 process types in service operations?
These include:
1) Professional services
2) Service shops
3) Mass services
What are transformed resources?
These are the resources that are treated, transformed or converted in a process. Usually a mix of materials, information and customers.
What are transforming resources?
The resources that act upon the transformed resources - usually classified as the facilities (buildings, plant and equipment) and staff (people who operate, maintain and manage the operation).
Draw the diagram that illustrates the four different types of layout.
Refer to the diagram in the notes
When is a fixed position layout used?
When the transformed resource is too large or delicate to move or when it is not possible to move the transformed resource. Used for low volume and high variety products and services. Demolition sites, events and operating theatres are examples of fixed position layouts.
When do you use functional layout?
Similar transforming resources are located together - according to their function - to meet the demand of the transformed resources. Hospitals, libraries and supermarkets are examples of functional layouts
Give three examples of functional layouts.
Supermarkets, Libraries and Hospitals.
When do you use cell layouts?
This involves locating in close proximity transforming resources with a common purpose such as processing the same types of product or serving similar types of customer. Good example is a maternity ward in a hospital that provides all maternity related care within a cell within the hospital. All customers are pregnant.
What is the main difference between functional layout and cell layout?
Functional layout produces one type of output whilst a cell layout can produce multiple types of end results.
When are product or line layouts used?
This is used when the flow of the transformed resources is continuous and the operation has high volume and low variety. Transforming resources are located in a sequence defined by the processing needs of the transformed resource(s) or product/service. Assembly line manufacturing is a good example of product or line layout.
What are the 2 primary influences on the type of layout for an operation?
Volume and variety characteristics.
Do operations typically function in single or mixed layouts?
Many operations function in mixed layouts.
What are the 3 advantages of fixed position layouts?
1) Very high variety and mix flexibility
2) Product and customer not moved
3) High variety of tasks for staff
What are the three disadvantages of fixed position layouts?
1) Expensive - very high unit costs
2) Scheduling space and activities can be difficult
3) High variety of tasks
What are the three advantages of functional layout?
1) High variety and mix flexibility
2) Relatively robust in case of disruptions
3) Easy to supervise
What are the 3 disadvantages of functional layout?
1) Low utilisation
2) Can have very high WIP
3) Complex flow
What are the advantages of cell layout?
1) Good variety and mix compromise
2) Group work can result in good motivation
3) Fast through put
What are the 2 disadvantages of cell layout?
1) can require more equipment
2) Can be costly to rearrange existing layout
What are the 2 advantages of product layout?
1) Low unit costs for high volume
2) Opportunities for specialisation of equipment
What are the 3 disadvantages of product layout?
1) Can have low mix flexibility
2) Not very robust when facing disruption
3) Work can be very repetitive
