Group technology cell design: a case study

Rising production costs, combined with competitive pressures, have resulted in an increased focus on the need for effective manufacturing planning and control. To remain competitive, organizations are exploring new ways for increasing productivity while reducing work-in-progress inventories and product lead time. This article describes a case study of the successful introduction of production cells in a company engaged in small batch production. The company is described and its manufacturing problems presented. Following a detailed analysis of the utilization of machines in the company's machine shop, a new manufacturing technique, giving improved work flow, is proposed.