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.
Dimensionless Block Diagram
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.
“A”
“E”
2,6
3,10
1 Fabrication
X = none
9,11,13,14
“I”
4,5,12
“O”
One activity, one square
Activity number
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
Completed Dimensionless Block Diagram Example
6
1,5
5
X=8
6
4
14
2,3,14
9
1,3
2,6
3,10
2
6
2,4
6
12,13 3,7
9,12,13
4
9,12,13,14
13,14
9
2,3,5,6,8,10
4
9
1,4
9,11,13,14
12
4,5,6,8
6,8
5
13
13
7,11
1,4
10
12
1
4
4,5,12 14
9,12,14
14
1
8
1,2,3,5,8
9,13
10
7
1
5,9,13
3
11
2,3,5,8
4,8
9,12,13
7
X=6
14
11
9,14
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
Flow Analysis on the Completed Dimensionless
Block Diagram Example
6
1,5
5
X=8
14
2,3,14
1,3
6
6
1,4
3,10
9,11,13,14
12,13 3,7
9,12,13
4
9,12,13,14
13,14
9
2,3,5,6,8,10
4
9
12
7
6,8
5
13
9,12,14
1,4
1
10
12
1
4
4,5,12 14
13
7,11
10
8
1,2,3,5,8
9,13
14
4,5,6,8
11
1
5,9,13
3
4
9
2,6
2
2,4
6
2,3,5,8
4,8
9,12,13
7
X=6
14
11
9,14
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