An integrated methodology for layout design and work organisation in a furniture manufacturing plant

Abstract

This study aims to provide an integrated methodology for re-designing the layout and departmental organisation in a job shop environment. While several studies have discussed the specific re-design or re-organisation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through simulation or mathematical models performing improvements, an integrated approach is rare. An integrated simulation-based methodology has been developed for simultaneously re-designing the layout and the departmental organisation of an SME manufacturing facility. A wooden chair manufacturing facility has been used as a case study. It is found that the developed methodology might be useful for other SME manufacturing firms, especially in the furniture industry.

Translated abstract

Hierdie studie hou 'n geïntegreerde metodologie vir die herontwerp van uitleg en departementele rangskikking in 'n stukwerkwinkel voor. Terwyl verskeie studies die spesifieke herontwerp en herrangskikking van klein- en mediumgrootte ondernemings deur simulasie en wiskundige modelle probeer verbeter, is 'n geïntegreerde benadering raar. 'n Geïntegreerde simulasie-gebaseerde metodologie is ontwikkel en 'n vervaardigingsaanleg wat houtstoele produseer word as gevallestudie voorgehou. Die toepassing van die model word as nuttig beskou vir ander klein- tot mediumgrootte ondernemings in die meubel-bedryf.