Qualitative Analysis on Layout Flexibility of Machine Layout Configurations

Manufacturing flexibility is one of the key parameters that determine the organizational success in today's volatile market. Layout flexibility as a subcategory of manufacturing flexibility plays a major role in handling dynamic demand patterns with shorter lead times, variable product mix and product volumes. Qualitative analysis of the layout flexibility of selected layout configurations is conducted with respect to four parameters. Physical configuration of the product, process, cellular, fractal, holographic, distributed, virtual cell and hybrid layouts is analyzed in this paper. Through the findings of this paper, it is possible to select the most appropriate layout configuration to improve manufacturing flexibility. It is vital to conduct a thorough analysis on characteristics of target market, organizational requirements and resource availability before selecting layout configuration/s for a particular industry.