CPIM Practice Exam

In a product-based layout, how are work centers arranged?

1. By equipment type

2. In a line formation

3. With flexibility in mind

4. By specialized departments

The correct answer is: In a line formation

In a product-based layout, work centers are arranged in a line formation to facilitate the efficient flow of products through the production process. This arrangement is specifically designed to support the sequential production of items, where each work center is positioned to carry out a particular step in the manufacturing process. The linear arrangement allows for a smooth transition of materials from one operation to the next, minimizing handling time and reducing the need for backtracking. This setup is particularly beneficial in high-volume production environments where the focus is on producing a limited variety of products that go through a similar series of steps. While grouping by equipment type or specialized departments may be relevant in other types of layouts, such as process-based layouts or functional layouts, they do not apply to a product-based layout. Flexibility is not as much of a focus in this layout type, as it is optimized for efficiency and volume production rather than adaptability to various product lines.