In the layout planning process the space is ‘allocated to different activities. The’ requirement of space by a facility hears. a close relationship to equipment, material, personnel and activities. Two major methods that are being used for space calculations are space based on present layout and production centre method.
Space Based on Present Layout
This approach is suitable when the proposed layout is to be developed for an existing product. While determining.’ he space, consideration should be given to space required for.
- Operating equipment
- Storage
- Service facilities,
- Operators
Allowance must he male for space between machines for operator movement, work in-process, access of materials handlers, maintenance personnel etc.
Production Centre Method
The space for each production centre is determined including the space for machines, tool cabinets, worked and uncorked pails, access to the aisle and maintenance. In this method actual arrangement of equipment is considered for space calculation. The departmental space is calculated by rnultiplying it with the number of production centres in that department.
Work Place Layout
The details of the arrangements at a work centre are to be provided in terms of the machines and auxiliary equipment, operator, tools, materials and auxiliary services. The procedure for work place design is as follows:
- Determination of direction of overall flow
- Determination of the desired direction of flow at work place
- Determination of the items contained in a work place
- Sketching the arrangement of these items
- Specifying the sources of material and direction of flow
- Indicating the destination of material
- Method of waste disposal specified
- Sketching the material handling equipment
- Checking the arrangements against the principles of motion economy
- Marking of distances between items
- Recording the layout on scale
- Indicate method of operation on chart,
Area Allocation
The activity relationships and space requirements are integrated to allocate the areas which forms the basis for detailed layout planning. There are a number of factors that should be considered for area allocation some important ones are:
- Area should be allocated for expansion purposes. The allocation of expansion area depends upon the type of flow pattern i.e. straight line, U-flow, 0-flow etc.
- Area allocation to maintain flexibility in layout
- Maximum use of third dimension
- Area allocation for point of use storage and centralized storage
- Area allocation for aisles
- Consideration of column spacing
