Machine layout in a job shop production system is basically a process where machines performing similar processes are grouped together. By physically grouping identical machines together, this production systems offers a high degree of flexibility. However, this flexibility entails many problems, such as high setup costs, inefficient material flow, high inventory cost and low productivity. To circumvent the above mentioned problems, this paper presents a methodology based on production flow analysis. The experimental study took place in a corporation of the furniture industry. The results on cellular manufacturing and production flow analysis show that this methodology was able to reduce material handling time, setup time and throughput time. In addition, a new cellular layout was achieved.
Cellular layout; production flow analysis; production planning; job shop
