Process Based Layout

In this layout machines and services are grouped on a functional basis operation of the same type are performed in the same area. For example all welding work is carried out at one place and all turning in another. This layout is normally used where Expensive machinery is required, Production involves a large variety of items having limited volume in each type, Operations are not balanced in time and When the demand is small and intermittent.

Such a layout is particularly useful where the volume of manufacturing is low and the variety of jobs is great ( in a job ship every customer order is unique). Here the layout should provide tremendous flexibility in the sequence of operations because the sequence of operation for one job is different from that of another job. For this reason in all job shop types of production, work areas are grouped together as shown in figure aside:
While grouping machines according to process types certain principles must be kept in mind. These are:

•  The distance between department needs to be as short as possible with a view to avoiding long distance movement of materials.
•  Though like machines are ground in one department, the departments themselves should be located in accordance with the principle of sequence of operations. For example in a steel plant the operations are melting casting rolling and twisting. These different departments may be arranged in that order to avoid crossovers and lack tracking of materials.
•  Convenience for inspection.
•  Convenience for supervision, process layout may be advantageously used in light and heavy engineering industries, made to order furniture industries and the like.