Product centric cells

Figure 28.8 shows three cells in the right hand figure. These can be product-centric or customer-centric. One line is linear. Others are arranged in the U shape characteristie of many cell designs. The U shape allows for rapid hand-offs in the cell and a eommon area for flow into and out of the eell. Velocity is up as well as density. Parts move through in minutes or hours rather than days or weeks. There is little work in process on the shop floor to waste space. 

The selection need not be the same for all partners in the supply chain. For example, our Process could find cellular approaches of no value since it is relatively capital-intensive. A functional design around its core process is the best choice. Old Line may decide a product-centric arrangement makes the most sense, and High Tech might employ a customer-centric cell arrangement to cater to different requirements among its customer segments. 

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