If layout proves wrong, it can lead to over-long or confused flow patterns, customer queues, long process times, inflexible operations, unpredictable flow and high cost, re-laying out an existing operation can cause disruption, leading to customer dissatisfaction or lost operating time
The most practical layouts are derived from 4 basic layout types: 1. Fixed-position layout 2. Functional layout 3. Cell layout (One-Worker Multiple-Machine (OWMM) Cell) 4. Product (line) layout
Many operations either design themselves hybrid layouts which combine elements of some or all of the basic layout types, the importance of flow to an operation will depend on its volume and variety characteristics, when volume is very low and variety is relatively high, flow is not a major issue and processes should be arranged to cope with irregular flow, but with higher volume and lower variety flow become an issue and should be arranged to cope with smooth, regular flow
Different layout types have different fixed and variable costs which determine the appropriateness of layout for varying volume-variety characteristics, the term that is often used to describe the look and feel of the environment within an operation is its 'servicescape', the general idea is that ambient conditions, space factors, and signs and symbols in a service operation will create an 'environment experience' both for employees and customers - responses to these experiences can be cognitive, emotional, or physiological