Lean tool - Workshop layout

Designing a new layout in a job shop can dramatically improve performance.

When stations are placed closer to each other, the products can move from one station to the next more quickly.

It also gives a better view/understanding of the flow, and helps spot problems more quickly, because the workers at a specific station can see how are doing the stations before and after them.

See below and example of implementation, creating a cell:

When stations are placed next to each other, the players can see some information about the stations before/after them:

So if the next station is already busy with WIP, no need to hurry. However if the station after is waiting for you to advance on the process, you need to deliver the goods more urgently.

Expected results:

• Reduction or removal of the transportation time (waste)
• Improved service level