Work Cells
Work Cells are an integrated set of tools to optimize the production, processing, gathering and distribution of materials in a manufacturing environment. A workcell is a logical arrangement of physical resources in a manufacturing situation to enhance the process, speed and price of that activity. Work Cells are designed to enhance these through elimination of waste and improving system flow. In a Work Cell each unit of equipment performs a primary task of a machine or process thereby reducing redundant tasks which, as time goes by and if not controlled can degrade the product or service delivered. The Work Cells, which are found both in large scale and small scale industries, enable easy scheduling, better production, decreased overheads, and increased profits.
The concept of Work Cells came about when supply chain management was first put into place. Supply chain management seeks to align the plans and activities of producers with the availability of raw materials, machinery, tools and labor. Supply chain management systems, which are mostly used in large scale industries and therefore considered essential, help to ensure a consistent flow of goods from the production plant to the point of use. Supply chain management systems are largely based on the concept of economies of scale. Work cells may, therefore, be seen as an integration of various processes into a single integrated Work Cell. The overall effect is the optimized use of available resources, thereby increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of a given activity.
The work cells concept however is not limited to the production process alone; they are also applicable to the gathering or fabrication stage of the production process. In other words they are 'work cells' for all important parts of a given production process. With the use of such tools as machines and robots, the entire process of any production process can be optimized; leading to significant cost savings. As more manufacturing activities are moved to the Global Village, work cell concepts are gaining in popularity and significance all over the world.
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