Chapter 4 Flashcards
Types of Product Flow
Line Flow
Batch Flow
Project Flow
Batch Flow Characteristics
Many products
Frequent design changes
Lower volume/product
Line Flow Characteristics
One or a few products
Standardized design
Higher volume/product
Batch Flow Capital Characteristics
General purpose
Flexible
Less expensive
Process Layout
Line Flow Capital Characteristics
Special purpose
Less flexible
More expensive
Product Layout
Batch Flow Labor Characteristics
Higher skilled
More expensive
Less tedious work
Line Flow Labor Characteristics
Lower skilled
Less expensive
Monotonous work
Batch Flow Production Characteristics
Short production runs
Frequent set-ups
Routing sheets provide processing instructions
Much WIP
Stock-outs not as critical
Line Flow Production Characteristics
Long production runs
Infrequent set-ups
Instructions built into the line
Little WIP
Supplying the line with materials is critical
Most operations are a blend of….
line and batch flow (and, perhaps, a bit of project flow thrown in for good measure!)
Group Technology (GT) Cells Basic Concept:
Converts from batch flow to series of “mini” line flows
Group Technology (GT) Cells Primary Objective:
Improved material handling (distance, time, and cost)
Improved quality
Group Technology (GT) Cells
Commonly employed in configuring flexible manufacturing systems (FMS’s)
Steps in Converting from Batch to Cells:
- Products with identical/similar material and processing needs are grouped into “families”
Start with most similar family
Collective volume provides justification for “line” - Worker(s) are cross-trained on the cell’s processes/equipment
- If cell meets objectives, repeat with next most similar “family”
Factors Affecting Process Choice
Market conditions and competition
Capital requirements
Labor supply and cost
Management skills
Materials supply and cost
State of technology
