Question

A German company specializes in building laboratory rooms for handling dangerous viruses and bacteria. Each room is designed to have a completely separate life support system that allows the users to examine and identify the viruses and bacteria without contaminating any other area. What type of a layout would be used to construct such a room?

A. process

B. fixed-position

C. stationary

D. static

E. customized

Answer 1

Answer: Option B: fixed position

Explanation: Plan layout is a floor plan of the facilities used for manufacturing. The objective is to firstly to minimize investment time, production time, and material handling parameters. Secondly, to support the manufacturing process and organizational structure. Lastly to utilize space more effectively.

The four types of layouts are process layout, product layout, group layout, and fixed position layout as follows:

Process layout is when machinery and services are grouped according to the operational and functional basis for example all welding activities are carried out at one location. It is primarily where expensive machines are required, production of a large variety of items is done, and demand is intermittent and small.

The product layout is when the plant is designed according to the sequence of activities required according to the sequence of operations according to the flow lines. It is used when machines are located according to the sequence of processing the product. The volumes are high and there is the standardization of work. The continuity of work is maintained.

Group layout is a combination of product and process layout. It combines both the layout systems and incorporates the advantages of both layouts. It is used when the same item is manufactured in different sizes. The machines are arranged in the process layout and process grouping is in a sequence. The sequence of operation of each product variety will remain the same.

Fixed position layouts are used when one or a few heavy identical items are to be manufactured. The material is fixed because the cost of manufacturing is very high. The tools, machinery, and manpower move around the product. The shipping industry used this type pf layout. The laboratory rooms are heavy and we would require a fixed position layout to manufacture them. It saves time and cost involved in movement of men and machinery. The layout is flexible as a change in job design and operation sequence can easily be incorporated.