Facility Design Essay Sample

In facility design, capacity refers to highest output rate for a particular facility. Facilities are constructed based on the assessment current and future needs for space while also taking being aware of the financial constraints of making investments. In the context of facility design, capacity planning is the process used in determining output rate that a facility will achieve. A numbers of critical issues are essential when undertaking capacity planning. Firstly, organizations purchase the required capacity in chunks depending on the needs. When a small portion is chosen, there is increased risk that the maximum capacity will not hold all the amenities. Additionally, there are strategic issues related to how much is available and when is appropriate to spend capital (Reid and Sanders, 2010).
Layout refers to the arrangement of space within the facility in a way that offers maximum use of organizational processes to create efficiency and effectiveness necessary for the achievement of set objectives. Without effective planning related to how the facility should be structured, there is a possibility that the outcome of the design process will not suit the intended purpose. When making the decision on suitable layout, the existing space needs to be assessed based on the intended arrangement of equipment, storage, workstations, and other amenities. There are five types of facility layout including process, product hybrid, fixed-position and specialized layouts depending the required space and function of the facility (Armstrong, 2006).
Facility management service (FMS) refers to all the operations undertaken to ensure the successful running of daily functions of a particular facility. The services are undertaken by facility managers who are responsible for diverse operations regarding safety, compliance to regulatory frameworks in addition to ensuring clean and efficient working environment. Further, services offered by facility managers are essential in making the building adaptable changes introduced as a means of making maximum use of the facility (Atkin and Brooks, 2009).

Reference

Armstrong, M. (2006). A Handbook of Management Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide To Achieving Managerial Excellence & Improved Decision Making. London: Kogan Page Publishers.
Reid, D & Sanders, N. R. (2010). Sanders Operations Management, 4th Ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons
Atkin, B., & Brooks, A. (2009). Total facilities management. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.