Plant Layout

Layout or Building ?

Definition: 

Layout is the physical arrangement of the plant and various parts of plant which is arranged in an systematic way.



Building is a permanent fixed structure .





Should the building be built first and the layout planned for it ? OR Should the layout be planned first and the building built around it ?

Criteria of design of layout: 

Material handling: Material handling cost should be minimized by using merchandised material handling.



Worker effectiveness: Good layout provides workers with a satisfying job and permit them to work effectively.

Methods of selecting layout: 

Travel chart method: It shows number of moves made between departments and identifies the most active departments.



Load distance analysis method: Load distance analysis is useful in comparing alternative layouts to identify the one with least product or material travel time period.