Installation of the Plan

Abstract

We now come to the most testing part of the layout planner’s job: the transfer from paper to hardware, and the translation of methods and ideas into a working situation. We must be sure of our responsibilities and authority before we enter this phase; much has already been said about this aspect of the job, but it must be clearly known at this point ‘who does what’. Once a piece of equipment is concreted to the floor, or an overhead conveyor is secured to the roof structure, changes become very difficult, if not impossible. Very close liaison must therefore exist between planning, line management and works engineer at every stage of the installation, and constant reference made to the agreed implementation plan. At the same time a degree of flexibility must exist, so that if an unexpected difficulty arises, minor changes can be accepted and agreed. No one can foresee everything!