Skip to main content

Facility Layout Design

Starting Strong: The Key to Effective Facility Layout Design

Proper planning from the outset is essential for effective production system layouts. A well-designed facility layout should account for all relevant factors from the beginning to enhance operational efficiency.

Making adjustments after production lines are running can lead to expensive downtime and potential customer loss. To prevent this, an engineering consulting team considers a variety of operational factors to create the most efficient layout tailored to your company’s workflow.

Key Factors to Evaluate in Facility Design Planning

An effective manufacturing facility layout integrates the needs of workers, materials, and equipment to create a streamlined, productive system that promotes high-quality output and efficiency. Key factors considered by leading manufacturing engineering firms when designing layouts include:

  • Communication:

    The design should facilitate clear communication and efficient supervision.

  • Employee Wellbeing:

    Layouts should prioritize employee morale and motivation by creating a supportive work environment.

  • Process Flow:

    Materials must move smoothly through the system, avoiding bottlenecks.

  • Safety:

    The layout must comply with local and federal safety regulations to ensure a secure workplace.

  • Space Optimization:

    The design should allocate ample room for storage, staging, and the safe movement of materials, equipment, and personnel.

Lean Manufacturing Principles in Facility Layout Design

When designing a lean manufacturing system, achieving specific core objectives is essential. Evaluating workforce roles and responsibilities enhances morale, maximizes employee talents, and boosts overall productivity.

Streamlining production systems reduces unproductive employee wait times, while aligning production with demand prevents excess inventory buildup. An optimized facility layout minimizes wasted time from unnecessary movement within the workspace. By focusing on these objectives, a lean facility layout delivers the following key benefits:

  • Enhanced Employee Morale:

    Reduced repetitive tasks and nonproductive activities lead to greater job satisfaction.

  • Shorter Lead Times:

    Increased efficiency enables faster turnarounds and greater adaptability to changing demands.

  • Higher Profitability:

    Improvements across the production cycle drive positive impacts on the bottom line.

  • Improved Quality:

    Enhanced processes ensure greater precision and stronger quality control.

  • Reduced Waste:

    Efficient operations eliminate unnecessary waste, translating into significant cost savings.

DSC Lean ball

Facility Layout and Design with 3D Laser Scanning Services

3D laser scanning is transforming facility layout and design by equipping architects, engineers, and facility managers with precise, detailed insights into existing spaces. Using cutting-edge technology, we capture millions of accurate measurements to create a comprehensive 3D model or "digital twin" of your facility.

This digital representation enables informed decision-making, reduces costly mistakes, and streamlines the design process. By visualizing the space in 3D, you can optimize workflows, enhance safety, and maximize space utilization before implementing any physical changes. Our 3D laser scanning services allow you to seamlessly integrate new equipment and minimize on-site rework, ensuring efficient and cost-effective project execution.

With 3D laser scanning, you can make smarter decisions for your facility, resulting in increased productivity and improved space efficiency.

DSC Facility Layout and Design 3D Laser Scanning 2