Resource Allocation for Prototype Manufacturing by Clustering

Resource allocation by clustering is an effective method of creation of manufacturing cells. This works in the Prototype manufacturing environment also. This paper presents methodology adopted for formation of manufacturing cells by Production Flow Analysis (PFA) using Rank Order Clustering (ROA) algorithm. The original layout and redesigned layout are analyzed for material flow using the software FactoryFlow. The results indicate substantial reduction in movement of material flow and realisation of benefits of cellular manufacturing. This paper also discusses the monitoring method adopted for tracking the components.