Answer to Question #233807 in Management for Vrushank

Question

Explain in detail the various types of plant layout concepts that are available in operations management. Give examples on where each of these types can be employed respectively. Briefly explain which layout would be applicable for a Retail store format

Answer 1

The following are some of the various types of plant layout; firstly, we have line layout. In this type of layout, only one product of one type of products is produced in an operating area. This type layout is applied where all the processing tools and apparatuses are arranged according to the order of operations of the product; this makes the layout to be called product type of layout. Secondly, we have process layout. This type of layout is applied particularly where low volume of production is needed. Machines in this type of layout are not arranged according to the order of operations but are arranged according to the nature of the operations and are mostly applicable for non-repetitive jobs.

Another type of layout is Fixed Position Layout. In this type of layout the major constituent remain in a fixed location, other materials, parts, tools, machinery, man power and other supporting equipment’s are brought to this location. An example of where this type of layout is used is hydraulic and steam turbines.

Lastly we have combination layout which is a combination of process & product layout. An example of where combined layout is applied is in industries involving the fabrication of parts and assembly, fabrication tends to employ the process layout, while the assembly areas often employ the product layout.

The grid layout is the most common store layout that you will find in retail. It is used in supermarkets, drug stores, and many big box retail stores and is used when stores carry a lot of products or when a retail location needs to maximize space.