Virtual Tour of Manufacturing Industry, Factory, Plant

Block Diagram of Factory Layout

Below is the block diagram of Factory Layout of Common Areas available in Manufacturing Plant.

Raw Material Store

A raw material store, often referred to as a "raw material storage area" or "raw material warehouse," is a dedicated space within a manufacturing facility or storage facility designed to safely and efficiently store various types of raw materials, components, supplies, or goods that are essential for the production process.

The raw material store plays a crucial role in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of materials to the production line, minimizing production delays, and ultimately contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the manufacturing process. Proper management of this area is essential for maintaining product quality, meeting production schedules, and controlling costs.

There are some areas that a plant will maintain in Raw Material Store. Some of the key areas of Raw Material Stores are explained below:

1. Raw Material Inspection Area:

The raw material inspection area is a designated section within a manufacturing facility or warehouse where incoming raw materials, components, or supplies are systematically examined and evaluated for quality, safety, and conformity to specified standards before they are integrated into the production process. This area serves as the first line of defense to ensure that only high-quality and compliant materials are used in manufacturing, thus contributing to the overall quality of the finished products. 

2. Free Locations:

"Free location" refers to an inventory management strategy where raw materials or goods are stored without being assigned to specific fixed storage locations, such as designated racks, shelves, or bins. Instead, in a free location system, materials are stored in available open spaces within the warehouse until they are needed for production or other purposes.

3. Rack Locations:

"Rack location" refers to a specific storage area or structure designed to hold and organize materials, components, parts, or products within a manufacturing facility or warehouse. Rack locations are a common and efficient way to store items systematically, maximize space utilization, and facilitate easy access and retrieval. These rack systems can vary in design, size, and configuration depending on the specific needs of the facility and the types of items being stored.

Shop Floor Area

The shop floor area in a manufacturing plant, is the physical space within the facility where the actual manufacturing processes take place. It's the heart of the manufacturing operation, where raw materials are transformed into finished products through a series of production steps and operations. The shop floor is a dynamic and critical area that encompasses various activities, machinery, equipment, and personnel.

There are some areas that a plant will maintain in Shop Floor Area. Some of the key areas of Shop Floor Area are explained below:

1. Sub-Assembly Area

A Sub-Assembly or pre-assembly area, also known as a pre-assembly zone, is a designated space within a manufacturing facility or assembly line where certain components or sub-assemblies are brought together, prepared, and organized before being integrated into the final assembly process. This area serves as a crucial intermediary step in the manufacturing or assembly process, ensuring that the main assembly line operates smoothly and efficiently.

2. Assembly Area

An assembly area, also known as an assembly line or assembly station, is a designated space within a manufacturing facility where the various components, parts, or sub-assemblies are brought together, assembled, and integrated to create the final product. It is a central and critical part of the manufacturing process, where the transformation from individual parts to a finished product occurs. Assembly areas are typically organized in a systematic sequence to ensure a smooth and efficient production flow.

3. Packaging Area

A packaging area in a manufacturing plant is a dedicated space where products are prepared, packaged, and labeled for distribution and sale. It is the final step in the manufacturing process before products are stored in warehouse and ready to be shipped to customers or retailers. The packaging area plays a crucial role in protecting the products, preserving their quality, and presenting them in an attractive and functional manner to consumers.

FG Warehouse Area

An FG warehouse area in a manufacturing plant is a designated space within the facility that is primarily used for the storage, organization, and management of finished products, and other goods related to the manufacturing process. Warehousing plays a crucial role in supporting manufacturing operations by ensuring the timely availability of materials and efficient distribution of products. The warehouse area is an essential part of the overall supply chain management within a manufacturing facility.