Process layout

• Fixed Layout types

  The product/material/people being processed remain stationary – the equipment, machinery, plant and people who do the processing move as necessary
• Fixed Layout types - Why?

  • Product too large to move
  • Patients too delicate to move
  • Customers object to being moved
• Fixed Layout types

  • Adequate space required
  • All contractors have access to their part of the project
  • Minimal movement of material, machinery and people
• Functional Layout types

  Specific processing needs and requirements of items being processed determine layout decision
• Functional Layout types - Why?

  • Different products or customers have different processing needs and take different routes to visit different functions
• Functional Layout types

  • Similar processes are located together
  • Products, customers or information flow are routed from process to process according to
• Cell Layout types


  Plant/equipment/facilities are located/laid out in the sequence required for processing materials/ information/people
• Cell Layout types - Why?

  • To provide a logical and unidirectional flow matching the order in which activities are performed
• Cell Layout types

  • Materials, customers and/or information ‘flow’ along a ‘line’ of processes
  • Sometimes called a ‘line’ layout
  • Flow is clear, predictable and easy to control
  • Used for standardised products
• Product Layout types


  Materials, people and/or information to be processed are pre-selected to move to one part of the operation
• Product Layout types - Why?

  • All the facilities for their needs are located in one area (a cell) where all the operation can be completed
• Product Layout types

  • The cell itself may have a process or product layout
  • After being processed the transformed resources may go to another cell
  • Attempts to bring some order to the complexity of the functional process layout