What is meant by a manufacturing cell?

A manufacturing cell refers to a dedicated area for a specific group of machines working together to produce a particular product or a family of products. This layout is designed to enhance efficiency by minimizing the movement of materials, reducing setup times, and facilitating better communication among the machines and operators. The purpose of a manufacturing cell is to streamline the production process by grouping related operations, which typically allows for a more efficient workflow and improved production rates. This concept is part of lean manufacturing practices, aimed at eliminating waste and optimizing resource usage.