One of the advantages of a product layout is the established routing and scheduling
IntroductionEvery organization will run for the basic motto of earning profit. This can be done only by providing qualitative products in more quantity. So producing those products need proper planning, mechanism, etc. Among all those processes, product layout is one of the major tasks to be done. So in this article, we may explore, what is a product layout? what are its features? the pros and cons of these product layouts. Show
1. What is Product LayoutIf we look at the product layout meaning, it explains various missions which work before and which work after to produce the whole product as an output. It is like the end product of the previous machine will become the source product of the next machine. Define product layout, The product layout can be defined as an arrangement or a mechanism of various machines run to produce the final product in a prescribed order. In general, we can find these product layouts in the manufacturing units. Usually, the product layouts are either linear or u-shaped in design. In the product layouts, the linear arrangements are again divided into two types. One is paced lines and the other one is non-paced lines. 2. Characteristics of product layoutThe features of the product layout are quite qualitative and impressive to produce various products. Some of the characteristics are explained by Harald T Amrine. So let’s have a glance at them.
3. TypesIn the field of the manufacturing industry, we have different kinds of layouts. Each has its positives and negatives. The available types of layouts are, Process layout:- These layouts involve various processes and machines but they may not be continuous. It also has the flexibility to place the machines at various locations and each machine produces different products. Product layout:- Product layout is another type of layout that has a structured arrangement of various machines that work for a single kind of product. Cellular layout:- These layouts are also known as group layouts. the machines work with the similarities, will make into a group or a single set of departments and placed at one location. It is nothing but a cellular layout. Fixed-position layout:- These layouts are fixed in one place. They cannot be moved further. These are usually occupied by very huge industries and machinery. Battleships, hospitals, etc come under this category. Combination Layout:- it is also known as a hybrid layout. Because it is a combination of three layouts namely process, product, and fixed position layouts. Certain industries and diversified companies may opt for these kinds of layouts. Because they involve the manufacturing process of raw materials and producing various kinds of products etc. 4. Product layout and Process LayoutEven though both the product layout and process layout show their significance and several similarities, a few differences are also available between them. These differences need to know when choosing which layout is perfectly apt for a particular industry. Product layout has a structured arrangement of various machines that concentrate on producing a single kind of final product. Here the output of One machine at one step will become the input for the other machine. Whereas the process layout has various missions but each mission can produce different products and there is no restriction that it should be continuous. The product layout requires a huge investment and a wide space to arrange the equipment. On the other hand, process layout doesn’t require much investment and one can choose multiple locations to place different machines. The product layout is perfectly suitable for large-scale industries and the continuous process. In contrast, the process layout is suitable for small-scale industries. The product layout has less flexibility and paperwork. It doesn’t require much skill also. But, the process layout is more flexible and requires clean employees to monitor specific machines. Diagram The diagram of the product layout is shown below. As it is known that the product layouts may be either linear or u-shaped. It depends on the arrangement of machines and their sequential order. 5. Advantages and Disadvantages of product layoutThe product layouts are widely used in manufacturing units. They often work for producing qualitative products by following step-by-step procedures. Among all other layouts, product layout is one of the best suitable options for large-scale industries. The advantages of product layout are
Along with the benefits, a few limitations are also owned by the product layout. So, The disadvantages of product layout are,
6. ExamplesThe product layout examples are majorly manufacturing units and continuous processes. Certain industries like sugar, paper, and cement are the best examples. Also, automobile industries and electronic appliances like printers, and refrigerators were using these product layouts for manufacturing. Our daily needs like food, paper, etc manufactured which is the help of product layout. The product layouts are preferably used for large-scale industries having continuous processes. ConclusionThus the product layout definition explains that a product layout is a systematic approach to arranging different machines in a sequential order to provide products. From the product layout diagram and product layout design, it is clear that it is either line or a U-shaped structure. So before choosing a layout for initiating an industry, it is very important to learn and get an awareness of each layout and the differences between those layouts to get productive results. Interested to learn all about Product Management from the best minds in the industry? Check out our Product Management Course. This 6-month-long program takes place online through live instructor-led sessions. It is the only program in India that offers the ‘Bring Your Own Product (BYOP)’ feature so that learners can build their product idea into a full-blown product, and go through an entire Product Development lifecycle. Not only this, but this is the only program in India with a curriculum that conforms to the 5i Framework. Post completion, learners receive a joint certification from the Indian Institute of Management, Indore, and Jigsaw Academy. What are the main advantages of a product layout?Advantages of product layouts include:. Output. Product layouts can generate a large volume of products in a short time.. Cost. Unit cost is low as a result of the high volume. Labor specialization results in reduced training time and cost. ... . Utilization. There is a high degree of labor and equipment utilization.. Which is not an advantage of using product layout?It requires major changes in the layout when changes in the product design are needed.
What is the advantages and disadvantages of a position layout?With Fixed-Position Layouts, the equipment, material, and workers must come to the production area—and the equipment is generally left on site because it is too expensive or difficult to move. The advantage to Fixed-Position layouts is low fixed costs, while the disadvantage is high variable costs.
What is product layout used for?In manufacturing engineering, a product layout refers to a production system where the work stations and equipment are located along the line of production, as with assembly lines.
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