Final answer:
The objective of facility layout design is to ensure efficient workflow and materials movement, through efficient space utilization and the improvement of both product quality and production processes, ultimately leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic objective of facility layout design is to facilitate a smooth flow of work and material through the system. This encompasses several key goals, including the avoidance of bottlenecks, efficient use of workers and space, and the improvement of product or service quality. By carefully designing facility layouts, businesses can enhance productivity and efficiency while reducing costs related to transportation and congestion, as indicated by the ideal placement of factories near uncrowded freeways for easier access to transport options.
In the context of scientific management, the goal was to increase worker efficiency, reflecting an ethos of maximizing productivity and operational efficiency. This also aligns with the concepts of specialization where workers become adept at certain tasks, thereby producing more quickly and with higher quality, which ultimately leads to suggesting innovative methods to their work. The idea that "form follows function" in architecture, also supports the fact that facility layout must consider the specific functional needs to ensure that space is used most effectively.
The chosen facility layout can have significant positive impacts, mirroring the intended positive aspects of bureaucracies, such as increased productivity and efficiency. The proper facility layout can aid in achieving these benefits by providing a structured environment where workflow is optimized.