1. Diagram Activities

2. 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.

3. 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.
1 Fabrication X = none
“A”
“E”
“I”
“O”
2,6
3,10
9,11,13,14
4,5,12
Activity number
One activity, one square

4. 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.

5. Dimensionless Block Diagram
Completed Dimensionless Block Diagram Example 6
1,5 4 11 1 10
5 X=8 6 10 11 14
2,3,14 9 12 1
9,14
1,3
2,6
3,10 7 4 2 1 8 6
5,9,13
9,11,13,14
4,5,12 14
9,12,13
2,4
12,13
3,7
6,8
4,8 3 4
7 X=6 6
9,12,13
9,12,13,14 5 14
13,14 9 13 9 12
1,4
2,3,5,6,8,10 4
1,2,3,5,8
9,13
9,12,14 14 13
4,5,6,8
7,11
1,4
2,3,5,8

6. Activity Relationship Analysis
The activity relationship diagram
The worksheet
The dimensionless block diagram
The flow analysis

7. 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.

8. Flow Analysis on the Completed Dimensionless Block Diagram Example6
1,5 4 11 1 10
5 X=8 6 10 11 14
2,3,14 9 12 1
9,14
1,3
2,6
3,10 7 4 2 1 8 6
5,9,13
9,11,13,14
4,5,12 14
9,12,13
2,4
12,13
3,7
6,8
4,8 3 4
7 X=6 6
9,12,13
9,12,13,14 5 14 9
13,14 9 12 13
1,4
2,3,5,6,8,10 4
1,2,3,5,8
9,13
9,12,14 14 13
4,5,6,8
7,11
1,4
2,3,5,8

9. Engineered Planning Approach
Computer-Aided Approach Phases
Decision Support Systems
Computer-Aided Space Planning
Computer-Aided Design
Management Information Systems

10. Engineered Planning Approach
Computer-Aided Software
CRAFT (computerized relative allocation of facilities)
ALDEP (automated layout design program)
CORELAP (computerized relationship layout planning)

11. 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

12. Questions & Comments