Partitioning bottleneck work center for cellular manufacturing: An integrated performance and cost model

The objective of this paper is to investigate performance and cost issues in an integrated manner during conversion of an existing functional layout by partitioning it to a corresponding cellular manufacturing (CM) layout. A decision framework is presented which provides a systematic approach to a practitioner for such a conversion. A total cost model is developed to study the performance and financial aspects for the CM system. The relationship between setup time reduction and the operational characteristics of a cell is also examined. A simple case study from a small manufacturing organization is used to evaluate the practical dimensions of the model and study results.