Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

AKA

N/A

Classification

Changing/Implementing (CI)

Tool description

A facility layout diagram displays floor layouts, manufacturing or service process flows, employee movement, possible bottlenecks, excessive cycle time, and other possible inefficiencies in the present layout. This tool prepares a layout of equipment, work areas, and storage areas useful in work flow analysis (WFA) and improvement efforts.

Typical application

To create a floor plan of the facility for tracing employee movement.

To identify possible co-location of activities and shorter distances of required movement.

To map process flows and loopbacks.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
→	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
	Creativity/innovation
2	Engineering
	Project management
3	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
4	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
1	Change management

links to other tools

before

Process flowchart

Cycle time flowchart

Opportunity analysis

Mental imaging

Interview technique

after

Work flow analysis (WFA)

Activity analysis

Variance analysis

Potential Problem Analysis

What-if analysis

Notes and key points

For easy reference to any work area, use grid labeling of facility layout. Example:

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 First, identify and observe the facility or work area for the normal work flow, equipment location, and the number of employees normally assigned to workstations. See example Reproduction Facility Layout.

STEP 2 Using drafting paper, prepare a facility layout diagram showing all major items or equipment, furniture, and other objects or areas of interest.

STEP 3 Name all drawn items, complete grid reference labeling, and identify the number of people working at certain locations.

STEP 4 Finally, check for accuracy and date the diagram.