Are you studying for an ASCM CPIM certification? Supply Mavens offers a series of videos to help you better understand key concepts of manufacturing layouts.

Fixed Position Layouts

In manufacturing, a fixed-position layout is a production arrangement where the product remains in one place, and workers, materials, and equipment are brought to the site to perform manufacturing tasks. This layout is typically used for large, heavy, or complex products that are difficult to move during production.

Functional Layouts

A functional layout (also called a process layout) is a manufacturing arrangement where similar machines, equipment, or processes are grouped together in departments or workstations based on their function. This type of layout is commonly used for job production or batch production, where different products require different processing steps.

Cellular Layouts

A cellular layout in manufacturing is an arrangement that groups various machines and equipment into small, self-contained workstations or cells. Each cell is designed to produce a specific product or a family of similar products.

Product Layouts

A product layout, also known as a line layout, arranges production resources (equipment, machinery, workstations) in a sequential order based on the specific steps needed to manufacture a product. This arrangement aims to facilitate a smooth, continuous flow of work and is often used for high-volume, standardized products.