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Sem 5 Prep
← OperationsPlant layout: principles and types

Formulas for this chapter

Floor and cubic space

Floor area = length x width Cubic space = floor area x clear height

Sizing departments and testing the cubic space utilisation principle. Add 15 to 25 % to floor area for aisles and services in a real layout.

clear height
Usable height under the roof structure
floor area
Departmental area, before aisle allowance

Material handling cost of a layout

Annual handling cost = volume x distance per unit x cost per unit-distance

Comparing two layouts. Work with the distance saved rather than costing both layouts in full.

volume
Units moved per year
distance per unit
Total travel of one unit through the layout
cost per unit-distance
Handling charge per unit per metre
Step 3 of 23
The real wordsTheory

When a layout has to change

The class's list of triggers, and it is a favourite short-note question.

  1. Changes in product design or introduction of a new product
  2. Changes in the volume of demand
  3. Increasing frequency of accidents because of the existing layout
  4. Plant and machinery becoming outdated and replaced
  5. Poor working environment affecting worker efficiency and productivity
  6. Change in location or markets
  7. The need to minimise cost through effective facilities layout

The deck also names inefficient operations, high cost, bottlenecks, safety hazards and morale problems.

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