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ASSIGNMENT ON GROUP TECH.

1. KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOLGY
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS



PROGRAMME: MBA FULL TIME
COURSE TITLE: OPERATION MANAGEMENT
COURSE CODE: ISD 554
INDEX NUMBERS: PG 3987115
NAME OF STUDENT: ISSAHAKU YAKUBU SAID

2. GROUP TECHNOLOGICAL LAYOUT
In the manufacturing and processing of goods and services, there are times that a two or more layouts
types are combined for a similar items or services. These mixtures are commonly called combination or
hybrid layouts .One of the most popular types of hybrid layouts is group technology (GT) or cell layouts.

Group technology (GT) is a manufacturing technique in which parts having similarities in geometry,
manufacturing process and/or functions are manufactured in one location using a small number of
machines or processes (Wikipedia, 2013). Similarities among parts permit them to be classified into part
families (Klein, 1992). According to Prasath et al (2015), group technology is based on a general
principle that many problems are similar and these problems can be group together so that a single
solution can be found to a set of problems, thus making efficient and effective use of g time and effort.

Therefore, in group technology, the processes, machinery and equipment are configured in small
groups or a set of similar items (part families) that require similar processing. These groups are called
cells. Therefore, a cellular layout is an equipment layout configured to support cellular manufacturing.
Processes are grouped into cells using a technique known as group technology (GT). Group technology
involves identifying parts with similar design characteristics (size, shape, and function) and similar
process characteristics (type of processing required, available machinery that performs this type of
process, and processing sequence). Workers in cellular layouts are cross-trained so that they can
operate all the equipment within the cell and take responsibility for its output (Klein, 1992).


The group or cellular layout is a model for workplace design, and has become an integral part of
Manufacturing systems and gaining popularity because of it productive efficiency that takes advantage
of similarities between parts, standards process and synergy from emerging combination.
Group technology is drawing increasing interest from manufacturers because of its many
applications for increasing productivity. It is an approach to manufacturing that seeks to
maximize production efficiencies by grouping similar and recurring problems or tasks. Through
a careful examination of the many applications of group technology, it have the advantages of
saves time, avoids duplication, and facilitates easy and timely information retrieval and use
(Nada R. Sanders & Dan, 2012). An important part of GT is the use of a code that—like a library
reference system—serves as an index to characteristics in manufacturing, engineering,
purchasing, resource planning, and sales to improve productivity in each of these areas.
Group technology (GT) is a concept that currently is attracting a lot of attention from the
manufacturing community. The essence of GT is to capitalize on similarities in recurring tasks in
three ways:
 By performing similar activities together, thereby avoiding wasteful time in changing
from one unrelated activity to the next.
 By standardizing closely related activities, thereby focusing only on distinct differences
and avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort.

3.  By efficiently storing and retrieving information related to recurring problems, thereby
reducing the search time for the information and eliminating the need to solve the
problem again.
The group technology have the following as it main advantages:
Some of the advantages of cellular manufacturing include:
 Cost. Cellular manufacturing provides for faster processing time, less material handling,
less work-in-process inventory, and reduced setup time, all of which reduce costs.
 Flexibility. Cellular manufacturing allows for the production of small batches, which
provides some degree of increased flexibility. This aspect is greatly enhanced with FMSs.
 Motivation. Since workers are cross-trained to run every machine in the cell, boredom is
less of a factor. Also, since workers are responsible for their cells' output,
more autonomy and job ownership is present.

It also has the following as disadvantages:
1. Involves less manufacturing flexibility
2. Increases the machine down time as machines are grouped as cells which may not be
functional throughout the production process.


LAYOUT ANALYSIS
A. Data Collection.
The layout analysis start with the data collection which provides design, test, manufacture, distribute,
return/repair services, and assemblies for electronic components and original equipment manufacturers .
There are a variety of products and demands which depend on customer demand, material,
manufacturing process, and product life cycle. Fundamental data of the factory such as product data,
manufacturing process data, flow process (routing), layout patterns, manufacturing facilities and
relationship between each process
B. Layout Alternatives Generation and Selection.
After data have been collected, alternative layouts are generated based on the existing layout and some
significant limitations that executives need to pay attention. These limitations are availability of space,
utilities support, work environment, effect on other products and investment cost. So, factory layout based
on cellular layout is designed and selected by using the analytic.

4. C .Select the best alternative and it process requirement:
The collection and gathering information to give structure with the end objective. That is to make process
requirement document highlighting various stages, risk and stakeholders for production. This will include
assessment of available technology, raw material requirement, factory/plant layout and demand forecast.
D. Team Building: Once the process requirements are finalized, for each objective, a team is finalized
based on skill level and experience. Function of the team is to get familiarize with the whole process.
E. Planning and Implementation: Process planning team will develop module; policies and procedure
require for production, which are after required approval internal as well as external is implemented.


CHARACTERISTICS OF LAYOUT DESIGN
Layout characteristics are styles or features of plant layout that can be visual. It is can be said
that the plant layout is good or not with the visualization distance and a unity of production
processes .The layout should be designed in a manner that the twin objectives of improving
efficiency and reduction of costs are achieved. It should minimize movement of man and
machine. Smooth operation of the manufacturing process should be facilitated and work in
process inventory reduced. A layout with the following characteristics would be able to fulfill the
above mentioned requirements:
. Efficient space utilization: Real estate costs are rising by the day. An ideal layout should
utilize the available space in an effective way. Wastage of space should be avoided at all costs.
The arrangement of equipment, service points and workers should be done in such a way that
space is properly utilized.
2. Flexibility: Manufacturing operations are dynamic in nature. There is continuous innovation
in types of products manufactured as well as in equipment, techniques and processes of
production. Therefore the layout should be designed in such a way that the layout is flexible
enough to adapt to changes.
3. Accessibility: Manufacturing, maintenance and servicing facilities should be easily accessible
without any hindrance. To achieve this purpose, there must be sufficient space between
equipment so that raw materials, machines and men are able to move freely from one place to
another.
4. Economy in handling: The layout should facilitate economies in handling materials, work-in-
progress and finished stock. Handling should be reduced by the optimal use of hoists, chutes,
trucks lifts, conveyors etc.

5. References
1.Klein, A. J., 1992. Revitalizing Manufacturing: Text and Cases. 1st Edition ed. United State of
America:WIN. Nada R. Sanders & Dan, R. . R., 2012. Operations Management: An Integrated Approach..
5th Edition ed. s.l.:John Wiley & Sons.
2.Prasath, K. A. a. J. J. D. R., 2015. concept of Group Technology accomplishment in the field of Cellular
Manafacturing Systems. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET, 02(06).
Wikipedia, 2013. [Online]
Available at: file:///F:/Group%20technology%20-%20Wikipedia,%20the%20free%20encyclopedia.html
[Accessed 25th MAy 2016].