Diagram Activities

Dimensionless Block Diagram

The dimensionless block diagram is the first layout attempt and the result of the activity relationship chart and the worksheet. Even

though this layout is dimensionless, it will be the basis for the master layout and plot plan.

Activity number

Dimensionless Block Diagram

1 Fabrication X = none

“A” “E”

“I” “O”

2,6 3,10

9,11,13,14 4,5,12

One activity, one square

Cut up a piece of paper into about 2” x 2” squares. Indicate the activity number and place the relationship codes in the positions indicated below.

Dimensionless Block Diagram

Once the pieces are ready, arrange the components in order to satisfy as many activity codes as possible. Arrange the “A” codes first (full side touching), “E” codes next (at least one corner touching), and so on. No “X” relationships should be touching.

Grade your solution. . .the fewer number of checks, the better.

Dimensionless Block Diagram

5 X=8

6

14

1,5 4

2,3,14 9

11 1

12

10

1 9,14

1,3

6 5,9,13

2,6 3,10

9,11,13,14 4,5,12

7 4

14 9,12,13

2,4

6 9,12,13

3,7 6,8

9,12,13,14 5

4,8

14

13,14

1,4 2,3,5,6,8,10

9 13

4 1,2,3,5,8

9,13

4,5,6,8 7,11

9,12,14

1,4 2,3,5,8

6 10 11

12 8

43 7 X=6

12,13

9 12

14 13

Completed Dimensionless Block Diagram Example

Activity Relationship Analysis

1. The activity relationship diagram

2. The worksheet

3. The dimensionless block diagram

4. The flow analysis

Flow Analysis

Flow analysis is now performed on the dimensionless block diagram. Starting with

receiving (5), show the movement of materials to stores (6), fabrication (1), welding (2), paint (3), assembly and packing (4), warehouse (7),

and to shipping (8). Material should flow through the facility and not skip areas.

Additionally, shipping and receiving should not be in the middle of the building.

Flow Analysis

5 X=8

6

14

1,5 4

2,3,14 9

11 1

12

10

1 9,14

1,3

6 5,9,13

2,6 3,10

9,11,13,14 4,5,12

7 4

14 9,12,13

2,4

6 9,12,13

3,7 6,8

9,12,13,14 5

4,8

14

13,14

1,4 2,3,5,6,8,10

9 13

4 1,2,3,5,8

9,13

4,5,6,8 7,11

9,12,14

1,4 2,3,5,8

6 10 11

12 8

43 7 X=6

12,13

9 12

14 13

Flow Analysis on the Completed Dimensionless Block Diagram Example

Engineered Planning Approach

Computer-Aided Approach Phases

1. Decision Support Systems

2. Computer-Aided Space Planning

3. Computer-Aided Design

4. Management Information Systems

Engineered Planning Approach

Computer-Aided Software

CRAFT (computerized relative allocation of facilities)

ALDEP (automated layout design program)

CORELAP (computerized relationship layout planning)

Benefits & Pitfalls

Visual representation Easy to understand Rational explanation Reduced nonvalue

activities Inventory reduction

Focused on material transport issues

Dynamic systems Relationships are

usually omitted

Questions & Comments