Factors that Influence Layout Selection:

Key Factors

The fundamental factors affecting the selection of layout are as follows :

Type of Industry

Generally Industries are classified according to their procedure of manufacturing the products. The processes of manufacture are classified into following categories:

Synthetic Industry

Whereas an industry produces product by mixing two or more materials, the industry is known as synthetic industry. For instance, cement industry is a synthetic industry which produces cement by mixing limestone and clay.

Analytic Industry

Function of analytic industry is opposite of synthetic industry which generates several products' breaking materials. Industry involved in the extraction of petroleum from crude oil related to analytic industry.

Extractive Industry

In such type of industry, the product is attained by applying heat to the raw materials. Industry involves in the extraction of Aluminium from Bauxite is the instance of extractive industry.

Conditioning Industry

In conditioning industry, the raw materials are transformed into needed products that belong to conditioning process. The molding of plastic into chairs and other plastic products is the rather than conditioning process.

Volume of Production

The selection of layout also based on the volume of manufactured goods to be produced. While selecting a layout, consideration towards batch production, mass production or single job must also be taken.

Type of Products

This point reveals that whether products to be generated are light or heavier and liquid, solid or gas. Generally, the following characteristics should be carefully studied for the selection of layout.

Physical Characteristics

• Size : length, width, height
• Weight : Weight per unit or weight per unit volume (density)
• Shape: curved, flat ,compact, irregular, etc.
• Risk of Damage: explosive, fragile contaminable, corrosion, toxic etc.
• Condition: Unstable, dirty, sticky ,powdery, hot, deep frozen.

Other Characteristics

• Timing: regularity, urgency, seasonal condition.
• Special Control: Government regulation, in-plant standards, operating policy.

Types of the Process Involved in Delivery of Product      

This is one of the most important factors that should be taken into consideration with regard to the delivery of product, safety of product and personal. Care must be taken for material handling problems, position of store room, tool room etc.