Layout Knowhow

For each relationship defined, the reason s why a specific closeness ratings was used is also noted. Example of relationship chart is shown in Figure 2.9 and Figure 2.10. Figure 2.9: Relationship Chart 34 . Figure 2.10: Relationship Chart

This step positions departments spatially. For those departments that have strong interactions and/ or closeness relationships are placed in proximity. The activity relationship diagram or string diagram is essentially a visual display of the activity relationship chart. Each entity on the chart is translated to a symbol to be place on the diagram and then lines are connected to show the value of the relationship. The string diagram shows near optimal placement without consideration for space requirements and exposes possible clustering of departments. As shown in Figure 2.11
2.11 35 Figure 2.11: Relationship Diagram

2.11   35 Figure 2.11: Relationship Diagram

Now that relationships have been identified, special requirements must be analyzed and then applied to a spatial relationship diagram. The information to be included in terms of amount of space, equipment and operational improvements for each activity has to be determined as shown in Figure 2.12. Figure 2.12: Space Requirements   36

During this step, a square footage is assigned to each activity. The space assigned to each activity is predicated previously in the space requirements step. The total available space at the plant is reviewed. The area is divided at first approach to estimate the space required for each department. When performing the detailed layout, it is required to have more accurate shapes adjusted to the reality. Example in Figure 2.13. Figure 2.13: Space Available

Adds departmental size information into the relationship diagram from step 4. At this point, the space requirements are applied to the space available. The purpose of the space relationship diagram is to combine established spatial constraints with the activity relationship diagram in Figure 2.14.   37   Figure 2.14: Activity Relationship Diagrams

These are additional constraints for the department during the initial stages of the new layout design. It is in terms of space requirement or department personnel needs.

Practical limitations can be in terms of budget or space.

This step involves development of layout alternatives as design candidates. These initial designs were created using the requirements and constraints described before. This is a layout of facility using blocks of space, no details. The block plan is developed y using the space available information and the relationship chart that   38 have been previously developed. With this information, blocks of space are developed and positioned according to their relationships defined in the relationship chart. The pros and cons of each layout are compared as each layout had good traits that are combined into a final block plan layout. Usually these designs are brought to the management for further inputs and comments in Figure 2.15. Figure 2.15: Block Plan

Chooses the final design from the design candidates. Once a final block plan layout has been selected, the equipment layout can then be developed. Equipment and machinery layout within each department is presented in the detailed layout in Figure 2.16.