Simulation Modeling and Analysis of Distributed and Process Layouts

Efficient layout design is important for reducing the operations and management costs. Distributed layouts are described as the next best layout solution for reducing material handling costs. Previous studies on distributed layouts have focused on analytical models. In this paper, the performance analyses of the various layouts under stochastic conditions are studied using simulation. The study is limited to distributed layouts with minimum part-order-splitting and process layouts. Performance parameters used are – material handling cost, work-in-process, and cycle time. Based on the study it is found that distributed layouts using minimum-part-order splitting case provides better performance compared to the process layout.