Answer to Question #309226 in Management for Dhruv

Question

List and explain in brief the various types of plant layout concepts in operations management, highlighting the objective, considerations of a good layout design. Give examples on where each of these types can be employed respectively. Briefly explain a layout for a Banking branch operations (mention the type of layout applicable).

Answer 1

There are four major types of plant layouts and as below;

1) Product or line layout- Product or line layout is one that involves an arrangement of processing equipment and machines based on the sequence of operations of the product. in this layout, only one product f one type is produced and has to be produced in large quantities.

2) Process or functional layout- Process layout is mostly used when only a low production is needed. It is mostly suitable for non repetitive jobs

3) Fixed position layout- Fixed position layouts not as common in the modern manufacturing industries as it involves a fixated place of all operations thus making the production less economic. It is however necessary for manufacturing large machinery such as ships, and steam turbines among others.

4) Combination type of layout- Finally, there is the combination type layout which is generally a combination of all the other layouts with factors of considerations such as flexibility, economic being in mind.