Functional layouts require the product to move many times between departments with a separate operation at each department. When the product is defective, it is often difficult to pinpoint where the defect has occurred. In a cell, most or all operations occur in one area and among a small team. This focuses responsibility and motivates the team to avoid similar defects in the future. 

While Statistical Process Control techniques can improve functional operations, they are easier to apply and more effective in practice with a workcell environment. Most functional layouts use a sort of "Quality Police", the Quality Control Inspectors, to enforce quality. With teams and workcells, quality is more likely to be self-enforced.

Feedback on quality problems is faster and surer in a cell than it is in a functional arrangement. This is because the various processes and people arevery close, usually within conversational range. Since teams are often used within cells, team spirit motivates quality improvements.

Because the operations in a functional layout are scattered, problem solving that cuts across departmental boundaries is difficult. Departmental loyalties work against it. The coordination of information from many sources works against it. Forming an effective problem-solving group is problematic. Cellular environments generally have a functioning work team. When this team switches to a problem-solving mode, the team is immediately effective.

Other Benefits

Material Handling
Inventory & Scheduling
Quality Benefits
Benefits for People
Customer Benefits