c Describe briefly the objectives of a plant layout d Descri

c) Describe briefly the objective(s) of a plant layout.

d) Describe briefly the types of plant layout.

e) Describe briefly the characteristics of each type of plant layout.

f) Describe briefly the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plant layout.

Solution

C) . Objectives of plant layout are:-

1. Minimizing delays in production.

2. Making efficient use of the space that is available.

3. Giving good and improved working conditions to workers.

4. Providing comfort to the workers and catering to worker’s taste and liking.

5. Having better control over the production cycle by having greater flexibility for changes in the design of the product.

D). Types of layouts –

1. Process layout – Also called as functional layouts, these are very suitable in the conditions, when the products being prepared are non – standard or involve lot of variations in times of processing of the individual operations.

2. Product layout – Also known as the line layouts or the layout by sequence characterized by small manufacturing cycle with minimum material handling. The space required is small and quality control is easy to exercise.

3. Project layout – Such layouts are also referred to as the fixed position layouts. In these layouts, the components, heavy materials, sub assemblies – all remain fixed at one place and the job is completed by movement of machines, men and tools to the location of the operations.

E). Characterstics of a good plant layout are -

1. A good plant layout is the one that integrates its workmen, materials, machines in the best possible way.

2. Which sees very little or minimum possible movement of the materials during the operations.

3. A layout that is able to make effective and proper use of area that is available for use.

4. A layout that involves unidirectional flow of the materials during operations without involving any back tracking.

5. A good plant layout is the one which ensures proper security with maximum flexibility.

6. Maximum visibility, minimum handling and maximum accessibility, all form other important features of a good plant layout.