1. Basic Production Layout Formats
   1. Process Layout Defined
   2. Product Layout Defined
   3. Group Technology (Cellular) Layout Defined
   4. Fixed-Positing Layout Defined
      
      
2. Process Layout
   1. Computerized Layout Techniques - CRAFT
      1. CRAFT Defined
   2. Systematic Layout Planning
      1. Systematic Layout Planning (SLP) Defined
         
         
3. Product Layout
   1. Assembly Lines
   2. Assembly-Line Balancing
      1. Workstation Cycle Time Defined
      2. Assembly-Line Balancing Defined
      3. Precedence Relationship Defined
   3. Splitting Tasks
   4. Flexible and U-Shaped Line Layouts
   5. Mixed-Model Line Balancing
   6. Current Thoughts on Assembly Lines
      
      
4. Group Technology (Cellular) Layout
   1. Developing a GT Layout
   2. Virtual GT Layout
      
      
5. Fixed-Position Layout
   
   
6. Retail Service Layout
   1. Servicescapes
   2. Ambient Conditions
   3. Spatial Layout and Functionality
   4. Signs, Symbols, and Artifacts
      
      
7. Office Layout

Case: Soteriou's Souvlaki

Case: State Automobile License Renewals

This note examines how layouts are developed under various formats or work-flow structures. The emphasis is on quantitative techniques but examples of qualitative factors are also included in layout design. Both manufacturing and service facilities are included. When designing the layout of a facility, decisions have long-term consequences in both cost and the firm's ability to serve its market(s). Management must take the time to identify and evaluate layout alternatives. The objective for a layout is to provide a smooth work flow of material through a manufacturing facility or an uncomplicated traffic pattern for customers and employees in a service system.

A process or flow shop layout groups similar equipment or functions together. A product layout groups equipment or work processes according to the steps by which the product is made. Group technology layout groups dissimilar machines into work centers, or cells, to work on products that have similar shapes and processing requirements. The final layout, a fixed-position layout, produces the product at one location.

Process layout focuses on minimizing material handling cost or customer and worker travel times. Computerized layout programs are useful in devising good processing layouts. The original program is CRAFT, or the Computerized Relative Allocation of Facilities Technique.

Product layouts focus on making the product flow easier. As product demand increases, it becomes cost effective to use an assembly line layout for processing. The assembly line consists of a series of workstations with a uniform processing time interval between each workstation.

Line balancing means that tasks are assigned to a series of stations so that the time required at each station is less than or equal to the cycle time and processing time is minimized. Tasks can be balanced, or minimized, by splitting the tasks, by duplicating by number of stations dedicated to a task, sharing the tasks by a neighboring station, using more skilled workers, working overtime, or redesigning the tasks.

The note discusses the issues of flexible and U-shaped line layouts as well as the use of computerized line balancing and mixed-model line balancing. Current views on assembly lines try to incorporate greater flexibility in products produced on the line, more variability in workstations, improved reliability, and high-quality output. A reading on Dell Computer is included to illustrate current thoughts on assembly lines.

Layouts of facilities are important in service and retail service businesses as well as in assembly and manufacturing. In retail services, layout specialists and planners must consider servicescapes, ambient conditions, spatial layout and functionality, and even signs, symbols, and artifacts.