Reference no: EM133740456

Question

Identify the different types of layouts found in Ford and Apple; explain the importance of the layouts to the company's manufacturing or service operations. There are four main types of facility layouts: process, product, fixed-position, and cellular. The process layout arranges workflow around the production process. All workers performing similar tasks are grouped together. Products pass from one workstation to another (but not necessarily to every workstation). Products that require a continuous or repetitive production process use the product (or assembly-line) layout. When large quantities of a product must be processed on an ongoing basis, the workstations or departments are arranged in a line with products moving along the line. Automobile and appliance manufacturers, as well as food-processing plants, usually use a product layout. Service companies may also use a product layout for routine processing operations. Some products cannot be put on an assembly line or moved about in a plant. A fixed-position layout lets the product stay in one place while workers and machinery move to it as needed. Products that are impossible to move-ships, airplanes, and construction projects-are typically produced using a fixed-position layout. Limited space at the project site often means.