EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT OF MATERIAL FLOW BY USING PLANT LAYOUT IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

This research aimed to improve material flow of multiple processed fruit products. There are two material flow problems in this process: cross traffic and back tracking. The plant layout improvement was used to reduce material handling distance and time. Five new plant layouts were designed then they were compared with the existing plant layout. Then, these plant layouts were evaluated to choose the more appropriate plant layout. The results of the research showed that material handling distance and time in the production line were decreased by 27.41% and 33.47%, respectively. The new model was not only improving the working environment, but also satisfying all workers for safety working.