This is also called process-oriented layout. A factory that has a functional layout is one in which manufacturing operations are grouped together on the basis of the function, technology or equipment used. A factory that uses this approach would install all equipment of a particular type in one area with separate areas assigned each type of equipment. Thus, a manufacturer using lathes would put all of them in one area. One alternative to a functional layout is a product-oriented layout, in which the equipment are placed in the exact sequence the operations will be carried out. Functional layouts are common for two reasons. First, functional layouts reflect traditional factory organization and as workshops grew into factories it was easy for their owners to simply lodge additional equipment alongside similar existing machines. This then lead to a de factosegregation of equipment by function and type, and became the traditional model for factory layout. Second, such functional layouts...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers
About this entry
Cite this entry
(2000). FUNCTIONAL LAYOUT . In: Swamidass, P.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Production and Manufacturing Management. Springer, Boston, MA . https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-0612-8_371
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-0612-8_371
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-7923-8630-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-0612-8
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive