---
title: "Fixed position and cellular layout notes"
subject: "Industrial Engineering and Management"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_6/industrial_engineering_and_management:fixed-position-and-group-technology-layout"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/industrial_engineering_and_management/fixed-position-and-group-technology-layout
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Fixed position and cellular layout notes

Industrial Engineering and Management · Chapter 2: Design of Production Systems

- Asked in: year not given, 5 marks
- Video: [2.12 Fixed Position Layout, Cellular Layout, Combination layout in operations management (SIMBA OSCM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWhq--yjCYA) — Dr. Rohan Dahivale
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/industrial_engineering_and_management/fixed-position-and-group-technology-layout
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/industrial_engineering_and_management/chapter-2

## Question

Write short notes on: (a) fixed position layout, and (b) group technology (cellular) layout.

## Short answer

Fixed position layout keeps the product stationary, bringing workers and machines to it, used for shipbuilding and large structures. Group technology (cellular) layout arranges machines into cells for part families, reducing handling and work-in-process for medium-volume, medium-variety production.

## Answer

#### (a) Fixed position layout
In this layout the product stays in one place because it is too large or heavy to move, and the workers, machines and materials are brought to it.
- **Examples:** shipbuilding, aircraft assembly, construction of bridges, dams and buildings, large turbines.
- **Advantages:** no movement of the heavy product, flexible for design changes, work can be assigned to skilled teams, suitable for one-off projects.
- **Disadvantages:** movement of materials and equipment is high, the space around the product may be crowded, equipment utilisation is low, and skilled labour and good scheduling are needed.

#### (b) Group technology (cellular) layout
**Group technology (GT)** groups parts with similar shape, size or processing needs into **part families**. The machines needed for one family are placed together in a **cell**, which works like a small product line inside a job shop.

```text
  Process layout           Cellular layout
  [L][L] [M][M]            +-------+  +-------+
  [G][G] [D][D]            |L M G  |  |L D M  |
  (jobs travel far)        |cell 1 |  |cell 2 |
                           +-------+  +-------+
```

- **Steps:** classify parts (coding), form families, group machines, arrange cells.
- **Advantages:** shorter travel and lead time, less work-in-process, simpler scheduling, better quality, team responsibility.
- **Disadvantages:** machines may be under-used, cells may need reorganising when the product mix changes, and coding and rearrangement cost money.

GT layout is a compromise between the flexibility of process layout and the efficiency of product layout, and is suitable for medium-volume, medium-variety production.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. In a fixed position layout, what moves?
   A. The product moves between sections
   B. Nothing moves
   C. Workers, machines and materials are brought to the stationary product
   D. Only finished goods move
   Answer: C. The product is too large or heavy to move, as in ship building or dam construction. (Key point: Fixed position layout)

2. In group technology, how are parts grouped into families?
   A. By similar shape, size or processing needs
   B. By the date of order
   C. By the customer's name
   D. By price only
   Answer: A. GT groups parts with similar shape, size or processing needs, and machines for each family form a cell. (Key point: Part families)

3. What is a GT cell?
   A. A single machine type section
   B. A storage room
   C. A workers' rest area
   D. A group of different machines placed together for one part family, working like a small product line
   Answer: D. A cell groups the machines needed for a part family, like a small product line inside a job shop. (Key point: Cell concept)

4. Where does GT layout stand relative to the other layouts?
   A. A compromise between process layout flexibility and product layout efficiency
   B. Same as fixed position layout
   C. Suitable only for one-off projects
   D. Worse than both in all respects
   Answer: A. It suits medium-volume, medium-variety production. (Key point: Position of GT layout)

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