Plant Layout and Flow Improvement

Book excerpt: Plant layout is far more than a mechanical procedure - it is a golden opportunity to streamline the manufacturing process or warehouse operation, lower costs, and improve output quality. This information-packed guide takes you step by step from project inception, through final approval, to the end of moving day. Error avoidance is one of the prime objectives of this book, and many checklists are provided to highlight the danger zones. Whether you're planning a move or upgrading an on-line operation, this is the place to begin. A diskette, available separately, is a real time-saver for the computer user. The book opens by introducing the Flexible Division, a fictitious company whose industrial engineer performs every step of a layout project right along with you. Without leaving your chair, you will become an expert in process flow improvement, practical Just-in-Time methods, and analyzing your labor needs. By using the author's unique methods, you'll be able to use CAD techniques to construct three-dimensional equipment blocks and plot three-dimensional plant layouts; create revealing flowcharts that lay the groundwork for improving your production system; employ new spreadsheet models that predict labor and equipment needs, flag bottlenecks, and expose wasted flow time; and construct labor analysis pie charts, simple relationship diagrams, utility overlays, and much more! From equipment lists to floor space calculations - from qualifying vendors to working with general contractors - from project scheduling to the details of moving day - this essential resource helps you anticipate and solve all common and uncommon plant layout problems. You'll even find the Flexible Division plantlayouts drawn to scale. Use this wealth of job-tested information to tackle your next layout project with the expertise of a specialist!