Cell formation

1. Visual inspection
2. Parts classification and coding
system
3. Production flow analysis (PFA)

1. Visual inspection
Least sophisticated & least expensive
Classification of parts into families by
looking at either the physical parts or
photograph and arranging them into
similar groupings.

2. Parts classification and coding

system
Grouping of parts into families
involves an examination of the
individual
design
and/or
manufacturing attributes of each
parts.
The attributes of the part are
uniquely identified by means of a
code number.
Coding system should be customengineered for a given company or

 Coding system structure

i.

Hierarchical structure: interpretation of each

succeeding symbol depends on the value of the
preceding symbols.
ii. Chain type structure(polycode): interpretation of
each symbol in the sequence is fixed and does
not depend on the value of preceding digits.
iii. Hybrid structure: combination of Hierarchical
structure and Chain type structure.

Three parts classification and

coding systems
Opitz system
MICLASS system
CODE system

Opitz system
Consists of nine digits, which can be extended by adding
four more digits.
The first nine digits convey both design and
manufacturing data.
12345 called form code-primary design attributes ( main
shape, external-internal shape, m/cing of plane surface, other holes teeth and
forming).

6789 called supplementary code-( dimension, material, original

shape of raw material, accuracy).
ABCD called secondary code- (production type operation and
sequence).
12345

6789 ABCD

3. Production flow analysis (PFA)

Machine usage sheet.
Route card information.
incidence data

Machine-part

Frequency table

Module 1- Machine 1 as
nucleus

Module 2- Machine 13 as
nucleus

Modules for the given

matrix

Modules after merger