Group Technology or Cellular Manufacturing (CM) Layout

In group Technology /Cellular Manufacturing ( C M ) Machines are grouped into cells and the cells function somewhat like a product layout within a larger shop or process layout . each cell in the C M layout it formed to produce a single parts family a few parts all with common characteristics , which usually means that they require the same machines and have similar machines setting.

The flow of parts within cells can take many forms. For example in cells # 1 and #2 the parts in the family flow through the same machines in a product focused line flow fashion. But in the cells# 3 and #4 parts take different routes through the cells because of the differences between the designs of the two parts.

According to V B Salaja. Group technology is the realization that many problems are similar and that by grouping similar problems a single solution can be found to a set problems ,thus saving time and effort.