Layout design in group technology manufacturing

Abstract

Many manufacturers are introducing modern manufacturing concepts and technologies to their facilities in order to improve productivity and quality, reduce production costs, and respond to customers needs. One of these concepts is group technology (GT) or cellular manufacturing. As with every implementation of a new technology or concept, several design activities have to be performed when a facility is converted to GT manufacturing. Among these activities is developing a layout suitable for GT manufacturing. While several aspects of the GT layout are similar to both the machine and block layout problems, and, thus, can benefit from their concepts, models, and solution procedures, the unique characteristics of GT necessitate a separate treatment of its layout problem. This paper is a review and consolidation of the emerging literature on the GT layout. A framework of analysis for developing the GT layout is also suggested.