Layout
Problem 3.4. (Summary)
Baker Machine is considering two alternative layouts. We will compare the Weighted-Distance Scores using rectilinear distance* of the two block plans to determine which alternative layout is better.
Alternative Layout 1 Alternative Layout 2 3 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
* rectilinear distance – the distance between two points with a series 90-degree turns, as along city blocks
Data
Baker Machine Company is a job shop that specialized in precision parts for firms in the aerospace industry. The current block plan is as follows: 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 6 |
The weighted-distance score for the current layout is 115. | Closeness Matrix | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Trips Between Departments | | | Department | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 1 | Burr and grind | --- | 7 | 16 | | 10 | 5 | 2 | Numerically controlled (NC) equipment | | --- | | 4 | | | 3 | Shipping and receiving | | | --- | | 9 | 9 | 4 | Lathes and drills | | | | --- | | 3 | 5 | Tool crib | | | | | --- | 3 | 6 | Inspection | | | | | | --- |
Solution
To determine which alternative layout is better we calculate the weighted distance, wd, scores of the two block plans.
Layouts can be assessed using the Layout solver of OM Explorer.
Solution (continue)
Alternative Layout 1 Solver - Layout | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Department | Closeness | | | | | | | Pair | Factor | Distance | Score | | 3 | 6 | 4 | 1, 3 | 16 | 2 | 32 | | 5 | 1 | 2 | 1, 5 | 10 | 1 | 10 | | | | | 3, 5 | 9 | 1 | 9 | | | | | 3, 6 | 9 | 1 | 9 | | | | | 1, 2 | 7 | 1 | 7 | | | | | 1, 6 | 5 | 1 | 5 | | | | | 2, 4 | 4 | 1 | 4 | | | | | 4, 6 | 3 | 1 | 3 | | | | | 5, 6 | 3 | 2 | 6 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total WD Score | 85