تويت
Plant layout is applicable to all types of industries or plants. Certain plants require special arrangements which, when incorporated make the layout look distinct.
Description:
In case of the manufacturing of detergent powder, a multi-storey building is specially constructed to house the boiler.
Materials are stored and poured into the boiler at different stages on different floors. Other facilities are also provided around the boiler at different stations.
Another applicability of this layout is the manufacture of talcum powder. Here machinery is arranged vertically i.e. from top to bottom.
Thus, material is poured into the first machine at the top and powder comes out at the bottom of the machinery located on the ground floor.
Yet another applicability of this layout is the newspaper plant, where the time element is of supreme importance, the accomplishment being gapped in seconds.
Here plant layout must be simple and direct so as to eliminate distance, delay and confusion. There must be a perfect coordination of all departments and machinery or equipments, as materials must never fail.
Plant layout is also applicable to five star hotels as well.
Here lodging, bar, restaurant, kitchen, stores, swimming pool, laundry, shaving saloons, shopping arcades, conference hall, parking areas etc. should all find an appropriate place in the layout.
Here importance must be given to cleanliness, elegant appearance, convenience and compact looks, which attract customers.
Similarly plant layout is applicable to a cinema hall, where emphasis is on comfort, and convenience of the cinemagoers. The projector, screen, sound box, fire fighting equipment, ambience etc. should be of utmost importance.
A plant layout applies besides the grouping of machinery, to an arrangement for other facilities as well. Such facilities include receiving and dispatching points, inspection facilities, employee facilities, storage etc.
Generally, the receiving and the dispatching departments should be at either end of the plant. The storeroom should be located close to the production, receiving and dispatching centers in order to minimize handling costs.
The inspection should be right next to other dispatch department as inspections are done finally, before dispatch.
The maintenance department consisting of lighting, safety devices, fire protection, collection and disposal of garbage, scrap etc. should be located in a place which is easily accessible to all the other departments in the plant.
The other employee facilities like toilet facilities, drinking water facilities, first aid room, cafeteria etc. can be a little away from other departments but should be within easy reach of the employees. Hence, there are the other industries or plants to which plant layout is applicable.
