Plant layout contd.

a) PRODUCT LAYOUT
Machines are arranged according to sequence of operations. This type of layout is preferred for mass production with less variety-normally used in assembly shop of automobiles, mass production of plastic goods and still mills etc.

Advantages:
-Minimizing material handling due to straight flow.
-Product completes in lesser time.
-Continuous flow of work.
-Better coordination in planning & control of production.
-Less floor area for same volume of work.
-Less skilled worker.
b) PROCESS LAYOUT
Machines performing similar operations are arranged in groups at one location not according to sequence of operation. For examples all lathe m/cs are placed at one place and all milling m/cs are placed at another place. Generally used for low volume of production needed at regular interval.

Advantages:
-Lower initial investment
-General purpose m/cs may serve the purpose
-Greater flexibility in utilisation.
-Optimum use of m/cs.
-At the time of breakdown, transferring of work to other m/cs may easily be done.
-Variety of parts make the work interesting and challanging.
-Better productivity,as supervisor and worker attend one type of m/c.

OBJECTIVES OF GOOD PLANT LAYOUT
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