TABLE OF CONTENTS H. Lee Hales
Bruce J. Andersen
William E. Fillmore
Richard Muther and Associates
Marietta, Georgia
This chapter explains step by step how to plan a manufacturing cell. It discusses the information and analyses required at each step and the outputs achieved. Several types of cells are discussed. Special issues related to automation are also discussed. A comprehensive checklist is provided covering all major aspects of cell planning and operation, including physical arrangement, operating procedures, organization, and training.
A manufacturing cell consists of two or more operations, work stations, or machines dedicated to processing one or a limited number of parts or products. A cell has a defined working area and is scheduled, managed, and measured as a single unit of production facilities. Typically, a cell is relatively small, and may be virtually self-managed. Usually, the outputs of a cell are more-or-less complete parts or assemblies, ready for use by a downstream operation or cell, or for shipment to a customer.
Three aspects physical, procedural, and personal must be addressed when planning a manufacturing cell. Cells consist of physical facilities such as layout, material handling, machinery, and utilities. Cells also require operating procedures for quality, engineering, materials management, maintenance, and accounting. And because cells employ personnel in various jobs and capacities, they also require policies, organizational structure, leadership, and training.
A cell is essentially a production line (or layout by product) for a group or family of similar items. It is an alternative to...
