Map receiving through dispatch
Sketch the route of one typical order: materials arrive, are checked, wait, are processed, checked again and then leave. Mark where cartons or parts wait at each step. A machine-only sketch misses these queues. Describe the process, substances, equipment and people so the team can assess intended use and the conditions that would apply.
Waiting consumes floor area
A process can hold more unfinished work when lead time increases, even if daily throughput remains the same. The planner makes that relationship visible. Its result is an average, not the number of units you will see on your busiest day. Supply observed peak staging requirements if available and compare several scenarios rather than promising that a projected rate will be achieved.
Keep raw materials, WIP and completed orders distinct
Assign each stock group a labelled location and avoid treating goods as finished before quality checks are complete. Separate returns or quarantined items when your process requires it. Include the occupied area of storage equipment rather than only product dimensions. Loading space, vehicle approaches and customer access are separate from the internal model.
An original idea: a lead-time space test
Run the planner with your normal lead time, then increase it to represent a delayed supplier or blocked process. Compare the extra staging area. This is a stress scenario selected by you, not a forecast. If the added area displaces an operating zone, investigate the process and layout before simply buying another machine or accepting a larger batch.
Expandable does not mean unlimited
Standard 9 m² and 18 m² footprints and requested expansion provide starting points for discussion. Suitability depends on the process and the approved layout. Confirm power, water, drainage, loading, floor requirements, access and fit-out costs. No industrial certification, production licence, food approval or specific electrical capacity is claimed for the space.
WORKED EXAMPLE · ILLUSTRATIVE INPUTS
Production flow & staging-area planner
At 12 units/day and an average lead time of 2 days, average WIP is 24 units. With 0.15 m² occupied footprint per unit and two approved layers, WIP staging is 1.80 m². Machines of 4 m², operating zones of 3 m², raw materials of 2 m² and finished goods of 2 m² total 12.80 m² with WIP. A 20% circulation share gives 16 m² total.
Before you book
- Show receiving, processing, inspection and dispatch areas.
- Use measured average throughput and lead time, plus a peak scenario.
- List machine footprints separately from operating clearances.
- Confirm activity, utility, loading and fit-out requirements.
Arrange a site discussion with your measurements. Rental quotations exclude VAT; ask for the payable total. Availability, intended use and fit-out are subject to agreed terms.
Questions about mini factories
Does the calculator predict production output?
No. You supply throughput. It estimates the space implications of that assumption and average lead time.
Can I use a mini factory for food production?
No food-production approval is promised. Present the full activity and facility requirements for assessment before proceeding.
Why does lead time affect area?
In a stable process, longer average time in the process at the same average throughput means more average WIP. The physical space still depends on item footprint and feasible stacking.
Can I add another machine later?
Recheck operating zones, staging, utilities and circulation as well as the footprint. Expansion and installation need to be agreed.