What is the difference between Product Layout and Process Layout?

Difference Between Product Layout and Process Layout

With the start of manufacturing and production units, it becomes imperative to plan and organize the production process. These plans and management come under the Operations Management field.

These operations involve two significant ways to lay off the layout – Product Layout and Process Layout. Here we will understand these two layouts and figure out the Difference Between Product Layout and Process Layout.

Product Layout is also known as the – straight-line layout or flow shop layout, a layout pattern in which the production resources like – workstations, tools, and equipment are organized sequentially in a straight line of the production. The basis of organizing the layout depends on the sequence of operations.

The raw material is supplied to the first machine in the product layout and passes it to the second machine in a line. This way, the output of the one machine becomes the input of another, and finally, the output is delivered to the last machine in a line. This is a product-oriented layout, and importance is given to the product.

Process Layout is also known as the –  job shop layout or functional layout. In this layout, identical processes are identified and categorized together. Process layout becomes functional when the products and services delivered are not similar in nature, and becomes challenging to allot specific resources to the particular product or service. In the process layout, the raw material is entered into one machine that performs the first machine.

The output is then supplied to another machine located anywhere in the factory for further processing, and this way, the goods travel long distances, not in a sequential path. Distance between the departments should be less to save time and energy.

Difference Between Product Layout and Process Layout

• In the product layout, the machine and equipment are placed in a sequence to fabricate a product, while in process layout, the similar processes are grouped together.
• Product layout is used for similar products to produce in a large quantity. Whereas the process layout involves the production of diversified products.
• In the product layout, the products are inspected minimal, while in process layout, the products are inspected several times during the manufacturing process.

For manufacturing units, the product layout is a suitable system for producing similar products on a large scale. At the same time, process layout is best suited for light and heavy engineering industries, and customized industries.