STRING DIAGRAM AND PLANT LAYOUT

GROUP - 2 ELAVARASAN R ( 14T107 )

GOKULASVIN M ( 14T207 )
SRIDHAR K ( 14T227 )
LOKESH KUMAR G ( 15T403 )
MANOJKUMAR S ( 15T404 )
KHARAN VK ( 15T431 )
VIJAY S ( 15T436 )
 STRING DIAGRAM

 String diagram is one of the useful and simplest techniques of method study. It can be

defined as a scale model on which a thread is used to trace the path or movements of

man and materials during a specified sequence of events.

 It can also be stated that string diagram in a special form of flow diagram. As a thread is

used to measure distance, it is necessary that the string diagram should be drawn up to

scale. The same is not necessary in case of flow diagram.

 Purpose string diagram

 Record of an existing set of conditions and thus helps the method engineer in visualizing
the actual situation.

 Indication of complex movements, back tracking, congestion, bottle necks and over and
underutilized paths on the shop floor.

 It is an aid for comparison between different layouts or methods of doing a job as far as
the distances moved are involved.
 Purpose string diagram

 Tracing existing paths of movement for incorporating necessary modifications, if any.

 It is prefixed when movements are not regular as far as frequency and distance moved

are concerned.

 Indicates the pattern of movements and thus helps in deciding the most economical

routes to perform a particular operation.

 procedure for the construction of string diagram

 Study and record the complete information about the movement of various resources.

 Draw a scale layout of the shop area and mark various features such as machinery,
work benches, stores etc.

 Mark and insert panel pins at all workstations between which the journeys are made.
More pegs/pins may be stretched in between the facilities to trace more or less the
actual path followed by men and materials.
 procedure for the construction of string diagram

 A continuous colored un-streachable string, taken from the first to last warned to trace
the path followed by operators or materials. Use strings/ threads of different colors if the
movement of more subjects is being shown so that their movements are easily
recognized and distinguished.

 Remove the string to measure their lengths which approximately gives distances
traveled by a worker or a machine or the material.
String diagram
 PLANT LAYOUT

 Plant layout is the most effective physical arrangement, either existing or in plans of

industrial facilities i.e. arrangement of machines, processing equipment and service

departments to achieve greatest co-ordination and efficiency of 4 M's (Men, Materials,

Machines and Methods) in a plant.

 The ability to design and operate manufacturing facilities that can quickly and effectively

adapt to changing technological and market requirements is becoming increasingly

important to the success of any manufacturing organization.

 OBJECTIVES OF LAYOUT

1. Minimize investment in equipment.

2. Minimize overall production time.
3. Utilize existing space most effectively.
4. Provide for employee convenience, safety and comfort.
5. Maintain flexibility of arrangement
6. Minimize Material handling cost.
7. Minimize variation in types of material handling equipment.
8. Facilitate the manufacturing process.
9. Facilitate the organizational structure
 LAYOUT TYPES

There are mainly four types of plant layout:

(a) Product or line layout

(b) Process or functional layout

(c) Fixed position or location

layout

(d) Combined or group layout

 PRODUCT OR LINE LAYOUT

 In this type of layout the machines and equipments are arranged in one line depending upon
the sequence of operations required for the product. It is also called as line layout.

 The material moves to another machine sequentially without any backtracking or deviation i.e
the output of one machine becomes input of the next machine. It requires a very little material
handling.

 It is used for mass production of standardized products.

 Advantages of product layout

1. Smooth and logical flow lines.

2. Small in process inventories.

3. Total production time/unit short.

4. Reduced material handling

5. Little operator skill, training simple.

6. Simple production planning & control .

7. Less space for work in transit and temporary

 Disadvantages of Product layout

 Higher initial capital investment in special purpose machine (SPM)

 High overhead charges

 Breakdown of one machine will disturb the production process.

 Lesser flexibility of physical resources.

 PROCESS LAYOUT

 In this type of layout the machines of a similar type are arranged together at one

place. This type of layout is used for batch production. It is preferred when the

product is not standardized and the quantity produced is very small.

 Advantages of process layout

1. Better utilization of machines, hence fewer machines needed.

2. High degree of flexibility with regard to equipment or manpower allocation

for specific tasks

3. Comparatively low investment in machines required.

4. Greater job satisfaction for operator.

5. Specialized supervision is possible.

 Limitations of process layout

1. Since longer flow lines usually result, material handling is more expensive.

2. Production planning and control systems are more involved.

3. Total production time usually longer.

4. Large in process inventories.

5. Space and capital tied up by work in processes.

6. Because of the diversity of jobs in specialized departments, higher grades of skill are

required.
 Disadvantages of Process layout

 Material handling costs are high due to backtracking

 More skilled labour is required resulting in higher cost.

 Work in progress inventory is high needing greater storage space

 More frequent inspection is needed which results in costly supervision

 COMBINED LAYOUT

 A combination of process & product layout is known as combined layout.

 Manufacturing concerns where several products are produced in repeated

numbers with no likelihood of continuous production, combined layout is followed

FIXED POSITION OR LOCATION LAYOUT

 Fixed position layout involves the movement of manpower and machines to the
product which remains stationary. The movement of men and machines is advisable
as the cost of moving them would be lesser.

 This type of layout is preferred where the size of the job is bulky and heavy.

 Example of such type of layout is locomotives, ships, boilers, generators, wagon

building, aircraft manufacturing, etc. 
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Thank you…