Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Is a cafeteria line an example of a process-focused layout?

1. True

2. False

3. Sometimes

4. Only during peak hours

The correct answer is: False

A cafeteria line is not an example of a process-focused layout; rather, it exemplifies a product-focused layout. In a process-focused layout, resources are arranged based on the specific processes they perform, which is often seen in environments such as hospitals or machine shops, where similar activities are grouped together. In contrast, a cafeteria line is organized to facilitate the flow of customers in a sequential manner, where individuals serve themselves or are served based on their choices of food items, creating an efficient process for delivering a specific set of products or services to the customer. This layout optimizes both space and customer experience, allowing for quick service and easing the pathway for customers as they move through various food stations. The design supports high volume efficiently, distinguishing it from the characteristics of process-focused layouts where flexibility is prioritized over efficiency.