according to the different processes of a firm, mainly used by production units which produce highly customizable products, and by service industries that provide unique services. So combining these 2, we understand that Process Layout is the Layout of departments, work centers, equipments, etc. Layout is the configuration of departments, work centers and equipment. As we learned in module 3, Process is the set of activities performed by an organization that takes inputs and transforms them into outputs, ideally of greater value to the organization than the original inputs. What do these words mean, Process Layout? Let’s break this down into 2 and understand what it is.So there are different layouts for different structures, the one we have been assigned is the Process Layout which has the Low volume high variety products and a Jumbled flow design. Also, a company which has production in low volume and high variety, a continuous flow which is highly automated is not viable. For a company which manufactures in high volumes, the job shop design will not be useful. These 2 areas here are not viable for any company. Examples are Oil refineries, Sugar refineries, Steel mills and Water purification companies. The production here is done in high volumes and there is perfect homogeneity between products. This refers to the highly automated production centers where there is a continuous flow process system.

Example: Car manufacturing assembly line. In this process structure, human intervention is possible. Here the volume is very high and there are less specializations. This is the kind of process which uses an assembly line. The products here are of low volume and lesser variety than the 1st stage and there can be multiple products in this stage. This refers to a process system where goods are produced in batches. Example: Tailors and Emergency rooms in a hospital. The products here have low volume and high variety. This is the kind of processes which are not heavily mechanized and they require a lot of skilled labor. Basically, it shows the relationship between different product structures and process structures. In order to understand the different layouts, firstly, it’s necessary to understand the Product-Process matrix.

Muther type grid