PLANT LAYOUT FACTORS
The design of any layout is governed by a number of factors and the best layout is the one that optimizes all the factors. The factors influencing any layout are categorized into the following eight groups:
• The material factor: includes design, variety, quantity, the necessary operations, and their sequence.
• The main factor: includes direct workers, supervision and service help, safety and manpower utilization.
• The machinery factor: includes the process, producing equipment and tools and their utilization
• The movement factor: includes inter and intradepartmental transport and handling at the various operations, storage and inspection, the materials handling equipment.