Cell formation performance measures—determining when to change an existing layout

Production managers have found that Group Technology (GT) and Cellular Manufacturing (CM) aid in facilitating and controlling desired changes required by an increase in global competition. We describe the basic tenants of GT and review some cell formation techniques. Several design objectives are discussed and appropriate performance measures reviewed. Building upon this information, a model for determining when to change an existing cellular layout, given the introduction of a new part to the part family, is proposed.