In Workplace Design and Layout, which of the following is a benefit when work steps are co-located?

When work steps are co-located, one significant benefit is that everyone involved in the process is more aware of how much work is in progress. This heightened awareness facilitates better communication and coordination among team members, which is crucial for maintaining an efficient workflow. As a result, inventory levels and work queues can be greatly reduced.

This reduction occurs because co-location allows for immediate discussions and quick decisions to be made, minimizing delays that are often caused by miscommunication or the time taken to relay information across different work locations. Teams can manage their tasks more effectively, responding swiftly to changes in workload or issues that may arise, thus preventing bottlenecks and the accumulation of excess inventory. This streamlined operation ultimately enhances overall productivity and efficiency within the team, making co-location a strategic advantage in workplace design and layout.