Group Technology or GT is a manufacturing philosophy in which the parts having similarities (Geometry, manufacturing process and/or function) are

grouped together to achieve higher level of integration between the design and manufacturing functions of a firm. The group of similar parts is known as part family and the group of machineries used to process an individual part family is known as machine cell.

Group Technology benefits manufacturing in many ways. It reduces the number and variety of parts. Process planning for the remaining parts is easier and more consistent. Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) is an important tool for this. It uses the coded similarities to plan consistently, standardize and accurately estimate costs. It then assigns the part to a GT manufacturing cell. Group Technology cells reduce throughput time and WorkIn-Process. They simplify schedules, reduce transportation and ease supervision.

AVERAGE LOT SIZE DECREASING PART VARIETY INCREASING INCREASED VARIETY OF MATERIALS WITH DIVERSE PROPERTIES REQUIREMENTS FOR CLOSER TOLERANCES

Short transportation and handling (usually within cell) Short setup times because often same tools and fixtures can be used (products are similar) High flexibility (quick reaction on changes) Investment cost low (no advanced technology necessary) Clear arrangement, few tools/machines easy to control High motivation and satisfaction of workers (identification with their" products) Small lot sizes possible short flow times

EASIER TO JUSTIFY AUTOMATION STANDARDIZATION IN DESIGN DATA RETRIEVAL EASIER, MORE STANDARDIZED PROCESS PLANS INCREASES IN QUALITY

The idea of GT can also be used to build larger groups, such as for instance, a department, possibly composed of several automated cells or several manned machines of various types. GT flow line Classical GT cell GT center

All parts assigned to a group follow the same machine sequence and require relatively proportional time requirements on each machine. Automated transfer mechanisms may be possible. mixed-model assembly line

Allows parts to move from any machine to any other machine. Flow is not unidirectional. Since machines are located in close proximity short and fast transfer is possible.

Machines located as in a process (job shops) But each machine is dedicated to producing only certain Part families only the tooling and control advantages of GT; increased material handling is necessary When large machines have already been located and cannot be moved, or When product mix and part families are dynamic would require frequent re layout of GT cell

1.Process-oriented layouts: You collect all like machines together and bring all parts to them. 2. Product-oriented layouts: You place machines where they are needed to eliminate excessive moving. Skipping over machines and backtracking will result from process layouts and must be discouraged because it adds costs without adding to the value. When many parts are fabricated in one group of machines (called a process layout), jumping around may be necessary, but we want to minimize this jumping, skipping, and backtracking.

The Benefits of Group Technology Classification: 1)Reduced Purchasing Cost Through Volume Purchasing -Can purchase fewer different items at higher volumes 2)Faster Lead Time -Can quickly identify the materials or materials needed 3)Better Negotiation Leverage -Value Analysis

4)Accurate Cost Estimation -Estimate the future price range with a standard cost database 5)Quicker Reaction to Design Changes -Quickly identify newer material or parts that conform to newer designs and specifications 6)Better Communication Between the Buyer and the Supplier -Eliminate the human errors with GT classification

The Obstacles of Group Technology Classification: 1)Management Resistance to Change -Unwilling to devote the time and energy 2)Extensive Data Requirements -The proper identification needs detailed item descriptions
->extensive purchase records/data

3)High Start-Up Cost -Item characteristics are not available without the aid of
automated information storage and retrieval systems which usually incur high expenses until GT is in place.

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