Many people associate lean manufacturing with U-shaped workcells. There are several benefits to cellular layouts. For instance, it physically brings everyone closer together. This facilitates ease of communication and information sharing about important things such as quality issues, problem solving or process changes.
“It may also allow workers and observers to see the flow and to get their arms around the process from start to finish,” says Kurt Greissinger, industry manager for assembly and handling at Bosch Rexroth Corp. “If cells are placed back-to-back with an aisle between them, it allows for efficient material delivery and replenishment for the milk runner.