Design Layout and Process Layout for Manufacturing Facility

Product Design

The process needed to manufacture my laptop begins with the facility layout, which supports the diverse work of the departments, centers and equipment, all of which is configured interactively so as to produce the maximum amount of output at the highest of quality; the different types of processes needed to produce the laptop, from robotic processes to programmable and flexible automation along with person-centered operations; a process map for the design and manufacturing of the computer; links to SCO (Supply Chain Operations), and the five basic processes of SCOR (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver, and Return).

The layout for the manufacturing of the Dell laptop is based on the idea to make operations efficient utilizing opportunity-cost ratios, and assessments of latest possibilities in product design (safety issues are also a concern and are assessed in risk mitigation analysis). Likewise, state and federal laws regarding manufacturing, environmental hazards, etc., must be followed, and workplace culture (i.e., worker morale) must be cultivated and supported. Thus layout sequences can be effective in facilitating the meeting of each of these ends. For the manufacturing of my laptop, Dell uses "smart factories -- where digitized intelligent platforms enable best-in-class manufacturing processes" (Manufacturing, 2015). Dell also utilizes smart operations, smart supply chains (with "end-to-end visibility into management") and smart customer connection solutions via "product configurators, CRM, B2B and B2C platforms" (Manufacturing, 2015). Thus, a product layout is utilized that proceeds with a standard operations processing layout for high-volume flow structure and rapid construction; it incorporates, too, a process layout schematic that allows for the various requirements of the manufacturing process to be accepted; additionally, it includes a fixed position layout, where workers remain in stationary positions, interacting with materials and the needed equipment as the assembly moves down the line. Thus, the structure overall consists of a combination of layouts for the final production of the laptop.

The types of processes needed to assemble the computer include preparation, assembly, examination, and review (i.e., addressing issues, evaluating, modifying and correcting problems). The preparation process consists of determining the proper computer configuration before beginning the assembly, preparing the component parts and the required equipment so that it is ready and on-hand for exercise, and that all security and safety precautions have been addressed and are being followed closely and carefully. For the configuration of my laptop, this requires assessing the parts, such as the processor, motherboard, and computer electronic readers, chips, battery, ports, modules, etc. Cables, screws, and workers must all be prepared and ready for application along the assembly line.

The process of assembly is dictated by the structure of the laptop and how it fits together. In this case, the assembly is created by first preparing the motherboard, inputting the processor, assembling the heatsink, memory, placing within the casing, and installing the power supply. A drive is then installed along with an adapter card and final settlement is erected. Each of these processes consists of smaller processes that are handled by individual departments, but overall they are integrated within a system that allows them each to operate independently within a loop which gives departments flexibility in terms of output but places restrictions and limitations on them in terms of time frames and product quantity/quality.

A process map for the design and manufacture of the computer includes the following elements: Figure 1 shows the design map. Figure 2 shows the manufacturing map.

Figure 1. Design Map.

Figure 2. Manufacturing Map.

The manufacturing of the computer and the SCO (Supply Chanin Operations) are congruent so that a "weak corporate technological culture" does not lead to a "technological paradox" causing the entire operations to be destabilized or come to an untimely crash (Singhry, 2015, p. 259). Innovation, as always, is a factor in the arrangement as Panayides and Lun (2009) illustrate in their research of supply chain management. Effective supply chain integration (SCI) is also necessary in order to ensure that a top-down collaborative system between suppliers and laborers within the facility is arranged allowing for parts to be delivered as needed, reducing the cost associated with storage, which can build up over time if the incorrect amount of parts are ordered and then have to be stored for an unknown amount of time. The efficient usage of space is part of the layout design of the manufacturing process and requires foresight and collaboration with supply chain operations managers so that there is never a surplus of materials or a lack but just the right amount.