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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 5 of 23
The real wordsTheory

The seven principles of plant layout

Learn these by name. This is the most frequently set short-note question in the layout topic.

  1. Integration: integrate men, materials, machines and supporting services for optimum utilisation
  2. Minimum distance: minimise the travel of men and materials, preferring straight-line movement
  3. Cubic space utilisation: use height as well as floor area
  4. Flow: material moves forward towards completion, with no backtracking
  5. Maximum flexibility: the layout can be altered without much cost or time
  6. Safety, security and satisfaction: worker safety, and the plant safe from fire and theft
  7. Minimum handling: reduce material handling to the minimum
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