fabriekscel

A fabriekscel, or factory cell, is a manufacturing system where a group of dissimilar machines and a human operator are organized to perform a specific sequence of operations on a family of parts. This concept is a core element of cellular manufacturing, a lean production strategy aimed at improving efficiency and reducing waste. The primary goal of a fabriekscel is to streamline the production process for a set of similar products, thereby minimizing work-in-progress inventory, reducing lead times, and improving overall throughput.

Fabriekscellen are typically arranged in a U-shape or L-shape, allowing for efficient material flow and close proximity between the operator and the machines. This proximity facilitates communication and quick adjustments, further enhancing productivity. By dedicating specific equipment and personnel to a particular product family, the need for complex material handling and long transit distances is significantly reduced. This specialization also leads to a higher level of operator skill and ownership within the cell.

The implementation of fabriekscellen often involves analyzing product families based on similarities in processing steps or materials. Once identified, machines and workstations are then grouped together to create these self-contained production units. This approach contrasts with traditional functional layouts where machines are grouped by type, leading to batch processing and longer queues. The success of a fabriekscel relies on effective work cell design, balanced workloads, and a motivated and trained workforce.