process layout in operations management

Demand that is steady and consistent is ideal. Preventative maintenance involves the inspection and replacement of any parts that have a high probability of failures, as well as holding ample spare parts in stock and having a detailed maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment. All operations are grouped according to the type of process. An organization may have multiple batches at different stages coming through the process. Changeovers are not necessary so very little time is lost in changing between products. In an office the process might be account payable, sales and payroll. This is a common layout in manufacturing a building, a ship or performing repairs to major equipment. This will include assessment of available technology, raw material requirement, factory/plant layout and demand forecast. There is only a single output at the end of the project. Products that require a continuous or repetitive production process use the product (or assembly-line ) layout . In a make-to-order business, the customer’s order is not manufactured until the order is received. Each product follows the same set of steps so that a fixed path material handling system is used such as a conveyor belt. Looks like you’ve clipped this slide to already. There are 5 processes here. Flexibility - A process layout is very flexible both with its products and its in-house logistics. demand. Our team got the topic Process Layout. In many operations the installation of a new layout, or redesign of an existing layout, can be difficult to alter once implemented due to the significant investment required on items such as equipment. This means that these businesses do not produce individual products, rather a product that is often a liquid or a product such as sugar, gasoline, or steel. The U-shaped design heightens collaboration among workers. It is more flexible when compared to a product layout. Often they are referred to as craftsmen or makers. In a manufacturing environment, all of the milling machines may be in one area or “department,” the lathes may be in another area, and the drilling machines all in another area. For manufacturers • Classified according to: o Volume of output Other common layouts include office layouts, retail layouts, and warehouse layout. Layout refers to the way in which organizations position their equipment, departments, or workcentres. With repetitive standardized jobs, it is critical that good ergonomic job design is performed. So combining these 2, we understand that Process Layout is the Layout of departments, work centers, equipments, etc. Let’s look at them 1 by 1. Process layouts are layouts that group resources based on similar processes or functions. Operations Strategy and Competitiveness. according to the different processes of a firm, mainly used by production units which produce highly … Process and Capacity Design. The standard symbols include: Introduction to Operations Management by Mary Drane and Hamid Faramarzi is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted. The amount of time required at a preceding work station should be relatively similar to the amount of time required at the following work station. Yet another product might require going through Grinding, Plating and then again Grinding. This is not there in Process Layout. It is useful to categorize processes as either make-to-order or make-to-stock. WA/SMS. A disadvantage of a process layout is that a particular product will likely have to travel from department to department to get the set of processes completed. Many organizations put more emphasis on having comfortable spaces for collaboration. This is the kind of process which uses an assembly line. If you stood at the end of the process and measured the time between completion of each unit, that is the true cycle time. In this diagram here, we can see 5 processes. These goods are not customized, but standardized. It can be calculated by: available production time First milling, then grinding, then plating, drilling and finally Assembly & Testing. The specific dedicated equipment and skilled practitioners work in each of these areas. The subject name was Operations Management and the presentation topics were different types of layouts. The above calculation shows that an assembly line must have a takt time of 4 minutes in order to produce 120 units per day. Complexity of production Planning and Control: The absence of sequential mechanized channels for production make routing and scheduling more difficult and time consuming. A major consideration in a process layout is to ensure that departments with a large amount of interaction are located nearby one another. If demand increases it may be required to use continuous Improvement tools to change the takt time or possibly add additional equipment. Each work station is located along the line and may consist of a worker with equipment, or robots. 2 / OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT relate to the volume and variety of inputs and outputs and the degree of flexibility that is required. Examples are Oil refineries, Sugar refineries, Steel mills and Water purification companies. Lower investment. Cross training of employees ensures good and thorough knowledge of the entire production process. Source: Adapted from Operations Management, 9th edition, by Gaither/Frazier. 3. Since the goods are quite standardized, the equipment used tends to be quite specialized and often highly customized for that process. A process layout is a layout in which departments, equipment, or workcentres are arranged according to their function. Lead time is the amount of time between when the customers order is received and when the product is completed and ready to ship. A one-time event, such as construction of an apartment building, implementation of a new ERP system, or writing a book, would all be considered a project type of process. The general types of layouts are: a fixed position layout, a process layout (functional), a product (line) layout, and a cellular layout, which is considered a hybrid. Remember that this includes not only the process time, but also any waiting time, inspection time, time spent on rework and movement. This type of production is considered a pull type system. Challenges in a product (line) layout include: Here is a fun video; see Rick Mercer on the Assembly line in GM Oshawa: Cellular layouts are considered a “hybrid” type of layout because it includes characteristics of both a Process layout and a product (line) layout. This is the main issue or the concern with Process Layout. This waiting inventory is referred to as queue. When producing a product that is not easily able to … This is a very standard activity that takes place in organizations around the globe. If the products are not standardized, the process layout is more low desirable, because it has creator process flexibility than other. Three aspects of technology can be factors: product technology, processing technology, and … Any process improvement initiative will always begin with mapping out a visual representation of the current process. They don’t Make-To-Order, they Make-To-Stock. The relationship between the receipt of incoming goods, the storage space and the picking, packing and shipping of outbound goods is carefully analyzed. In its basic structure, it shows how many units are transferred from one department to another. Team Building:Once the process requirement… A key requirement for successful mass customization is a modular design to allow fast seamless change from each product to the next. 0815-1927-4876 (Indosat), Jual Besi Siku Lubang Bandung, AWSKRUGの現状 (Sanguk Park) - JAWS Days 2017, Relevance feedback algorithm inspired by Quantum detection, No public clipboards found for this slide. Another product might require going through Milling, then Plating and then Grinding. An advantage to a process layout is that equipment tends to be quite general-purpose. So combining these 2, we understand that Process Layout is the Layout of departments, work centers, equipments, etc. Although the unit cost may be lower due to large production volumes, there may be losses due to forecast error, excess inventory, obsolescence and theft. In mass customization, a company combines low-cost high volume of output, but each and every customer order is customized to the customers specifications. This type of layout is seen in companies with intermittent processing systems. What do these words mean, Process Layout? This process will use the firm’s resources in order to transform the primary inputs into some type of output. Workspaces now tend to be more flexible with less paper and less furniture to hold files and documents. These products are grouped together and manufactured in a work cell. This is necessary so that all members of the team have a clear understanding of how current process is working. It may run continuously or pulsed. A key requirement for successful mass customization is a modular design to allow fast seamless change from each product to the next. Goods tend to be shipped when they are completed. These 2 areas here are not viable for any company. Process Layout is also known as Functional Layout. Inventory investment is now reduced due to small batch sizes enabled because of the low set up times required. It can handle varied processing requirements. What this does is that it shows the proximity between 2 departments. Having an effective layout can streamline production activities, eliminate wasted or redundant movement and improve safety. In a make-to-stock process, goods are produced in anticipation of customer demand, usually from a sales forecast. Process Layout focuses on keeping similar machines or similar operations at one place in layout Here, all similar functional Equipments are placed at one location and are grouped into one department Process Layouts are more suitable for industries, as its production of goods is done based on series of activities or process a site Organizations that ensure the health, safety and comfort of their employees reap rewards in terms of the quality of work they receive from employees. More of general equipment – There is less requirement of specific machines for specific tasks. A takt time of 3.0 minutes would produce an output of 480 min / 3 min = 160 units. Example: Car manufacturing assembly line. Wide variety – As the process layout is made with a focus on different processes and high manual labor, there’s a wide variety of products and services made possible with the process layout. One such common exception is the Mass Customization model of production. Walmart addresses this decision area of operations management through behavioral analysis, forecasting, and continuous monitoring. There are not separate individual workstations, rather the product flows from one step to the next within the system. The facility layout is actually very dependent on the product being made. Examples of products made using batch production are baked goods, aircraft parts, clothing, and vaccines. 3. There is not any uncertainty about what the customer desires and there is no obsolete stock to be disposed of. Layout is the configuration of departments, work centers and equipment. This is what a process layout can look like. 1.Jumbled flow, Low volume. That is why you will often find the milk at the far end of the store causing customers the need to walk past all other departments to reach it. In manufacturing engineering, process layout is a design for the floor plan of a plant which aims to improve efficiency by arranging equipment according to its function. Only the inventory that is in process is in the system. Here, you can see that there are different departments listed and some letters. It is important that assembly lines are balanced. We can order anything, but not everything might be ready in the kitchen. The fact that the line may be susceptible to shut downs if there are equipment malfunctions so preventative maintenance is critical. Technology is often a factor in process selection and layout. Is the technology to be used general purpose or specialized? Work centers that interact frequently, with movement of material or people, should be located close together, whereas those that have little interaction can be spatially separated. 2. The volume of output is low in a job shop. All of the steps and flows need to be identified and laid out in the proper sequence. Floor space per employee has dropped significantly. PROCESS SELECTION:Basic Layout Types, Advantages of Product Layout DESIGN OF WORK SYSTEMS:Job Design, Specialization, Methods Analysis >> Production and Operations Management … Clipping is a handy way to collect important slides you want to go back to later. Process layout: arranged in departments (e.g., hospitals). 4. The disadvantage of this type of system is that it takes time for the firm to acquire any materials and needed components, and then to schedule and produce the customers order. Process layout design determines the best relative locations of functional work centers. ... Hospital service is the best example for adaptation of process layout. There’s a sequence followed in the production and there’s very less variety possible. Even if there are, generally they are human-assisted and can be programmed for different product requirements. Inventory will sit in each area waiting for its turn to be processed. Goods are made in small amounts, and may be more expensive. There are very few workers except for those that are responsible for process monitoring, maintenance, and cleaning. The goods produced in a line layout are generally very standardized, and the work processes are also highly standardized. Throughput time is the time between the beginning – the very first operation in the process until the product is actually completed at the end of the process. These groups are referred to as a batch. As an Operations Manager, there is a high likelihood that you will become involved in this at some point in your career. See our Privacy Policy and User Agreement for details. Often employees are grouped according to the tasks they perform and the work teams they participate in. Lashbrooke, B. Once this is done, both the inputs are fed into a computer layout program like CRAFT, which stands for Computerized Relative Allocation of Facilities Technique. The next step is to develop a Relationship Chart, or Muther’s Grid. Operations management Process design Supply network design Layout and flow Process technology Job design Product/service design. Process Requirement:The very 1st step is to collect and gather information to give structure with the end objective. Chapter 10 Operations Management – Fundamentals of Business The equipment in this type of process is highly complex and designed solely for that product at that facility. At a hospital, cardiology is in one area, maternity in another location, and pediatrics elsewhere. Due to the material handling system, goods move quickly and not very far. This type of process gives flexibility to handle a variety of products or customers. The skill level of employees, it is very high or low? https://www.theoperationsmanagement.com/process-layout-4161 There are four basic layout types of fixed position, process, cell and product layout. This type of production layout is still heavily utilized today. You would see a process layout in … When completed at one work station, the job automatically moves to the next workstation. This refers to the highly automated production centers where there is a continuous flow process system. They must produce one product at least every 4 minutes to meet customer demand. Often these businesses may have been using a process layout, with all of the associated product movement and waiting times. For example, it’s absolutely necessary for the Stockroom and the Shipping&Receiving departments to be next to each other, but at the same time, it’s unimportant for the Stock room to be next to the locker room. Here, the service required for a customer will follow an independent path. When designing a facility layout, business owners must take into account the product they are producing. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Having an effective layout can streamline production activities, eliminate wasted or redundant movement and improve safety. Machines or workstations which come under the same process head have to be placed together. There are many firms using mixtures of process types. This is done by careful study of traffic patterns in the store in order to try and maximize the amount of product to which each customer is exposed. Managing ergonomics – Where to place what machine. We use your LinkedIn profile and activity data to personalize ads and to show you more relevant ads. Each of these projects have a high degree of customization, substantial use of resources, and a complex set of related activities. Chapter 10 Operations management.doc 5 2.2.3. Every firm that produces a good or a service will do so by the use of a process. The equipment in these types of layouts are often very capital intensive and are laid out according to the progressive steps of the process. In this type of layout, the machines and not arranged according to the sequence of operations but are arranged according to the nature or type of the operations. The skill level of the employees is usually low because the steps are highly standardized. What would need to happen to increase the output? Similarly, it’s Absolutely necessary for the Production department to be next to the Stockroom and also the Tool room, however it’s not very important that the Tool room sits next to the Offices. Less floor space is required due to machines being placed close together and less movement of product. There are a number of reasons for this. Training and job rotation are critical activities to make sure employees are capable of completing the work tasks and that there are multiple people that can work at each individual job. In a factory these process might be departments devoted to welding, grinding and painting. Let’s break this down into 2 and understand what it is. This was a presentation done team-wise in Manipal as part of our MBA assignments. This often leads to lots of material handling and movement of goods throughout the facility. The firm must product one product every 4 minutes. The batch will progress through a set of steps to be completed from the start to the end. 2. This is the kind of processes which are not heavily mechanized and they require a lot of skilled labor. The speed of the conveyor will determine the amount of product that will be produced per shift. A flexible material-handling system is needed such as forklifts. (pp6–7) It specifically deals with decisions required by operations managers for simultaneous production and consumption of an intangible product.These decisions concern the process, people, information and the system that … Examples include furniture makers who wait to produce the exact model of sofa based on the customers dimensions and fabric choice, or the vehicle manufacturer that has dozens of customization packages and paint options such that each vehicle is custom for the purchaser. In order to understand the different layouts, firstly, it’s necessary to understand the Product-Process matrix. Examples include furniture makers who wait to produce the exact model of sofa based on the customers dimensions and fabric choice, or the vehicle manufacturer that has dozens of customization packages and paint options such that each vehicle is custom for the purchaser. Flexibility. But at the same time, we can find Afghani or Pakistani bakeries here which only serve rotis and chapathis. Usually the output is high. This refers to a process system where goods are produced in batches. Employee morale is improved due to working as part of a team that has responsibility for the throughput and quality of the cell. The equipment is laid out in a U shape with equipment located close together so jobs do not have to move very far. Layouts are much more open concept with lower partitions to improve visibility of the workspace.[1]. Each work cell will contain a unique set of equipment to manufacture this family of parts in an assembly line type of layout. Such facilities are process focused in terms of equipment, layout … In a department store, similar goods are arranged together such as footwear, jewelry, and housewares. The work is “pulled” through the process when customer demand is present. Here the volume is very high and there are less specializations. Operations management and planning are common in industries such as the airlines, manufacturing companies, service provider organizations, the military, and government. PROCESS SELECTION:Basic Layout Types, Advantages of Product Layout Production Operations Management Business Management It is important to go out into the workplace and walk the process before beginning this task. Operations Management. One daily example with which we can understand the difference between process layout and product layout is this. Cycle time is the rate at which the operation is actually producing each unit. Examples of a repetitive process include assembly lines such as assembling automobiles or electronics, a carwash, or a cafeteria line. Examples include a small bakery that produces beautiful custom wedding cakes, or a business that makes custom guitars or bicycles based on the customers measurements and preferences of materials and components. Example: Tailors and Emergency rooms in a hospital. This video tackles all about Process Selection - the 5 Basic Processes that we have, and the two Layout Designs we can use as future Operations Managers. In designing the actual process, particularly the number and sequence of steps, several important factors need to be considered. Volume of output – Is the business created to produce large volumes or a small amount of output? If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. LAYOUT If the product has high volume an assembly line might be the best option. Usually the use of computer-aided manufacturing systems is what permits this customization. You can change your ad preferences anytime. PROCESS 2 Nature and purpose of the design activity Products, services and the processes which produce them all have to be designed Decisions taken during the design of a product or This layout is also common in services. Manpower also has to be placed accordingly. Product variety – Is the product highly standardized, or is the product highly customized? Basically, it shows the relationship between different product structures and process structures. It is important to note that it is not necessarily a straight line, often assembly lines zig zag or are in a shape to use the maximum amount of space available. A takt time of 2.0 minutes would produce 240 units per day. If one particular piece of equipment breaks down, it will not halt the entire process. This conveyor belt may be manual or automatic. They are … - Selection from Operations Management: An Integrated Approach, 5th Edition [Book] Now we’re going to look at how to design a process layout or a job shop. One order might require the product to go through Grinding, then Drilling and it might be complete. Changes in operations as well as their order can be made without disturbing the existing layout. In a process layout, any step can happen after any step. Dell Computer has utilized this type of system to produce personal computers very successfully. Some services may use a line layout, such as preparing hospital meals, or a cafeteria line. Behavioral analysis of customers and employees, such as in the stores, serves as basis for Walmarts process and capacity design of store processes and capacity, personnel and equipment. This is referred to as group technology. Due to considerable cost involved with setting up an assembly line, a large volume of product needs to be produced. A firm operates 8 hours per day (480 minutes). It may operate at a pre determined speed, or it may be worker paced. Differentiate between the different types of processes. Operations Management of IKEA essay. It can be number of units, or number of trips, or time taken to move units etc. Forecasting is the basis for the firms ever-changing capacity design for hum… Everything is arranged around the product’s progression through the system. These products are generally made in larger amounts and put into storage to wait for customer orders. Many warehouses have special holding requirements such as freezers, cold storage and high security areas. 2. This type of layout begins with the company performing a thorough analysis of their products and deciding which products are similar to one another and often share common geometry and processing requirements in terms of equipment, machinery, technology and employee skills. Example : A paint manufacturing company. Most practitioners tend to prefer using a large roll of paper on the wall where the group can collaborate rather than using a computer projected onto a screen. Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. Below is an example of a machinery plant with a process layout: These are used in businesses that use assembly lines or production lines. A continuous process is when a very high volume of standardized product is produced. The important advantages offered by a process layout are as follows: 1. Usually the use of computer-aided manufacturing systems is what permits this customization. Speed is greatly enhanced because batches can now be small and goods that enter the system will continue until they are complete. The takt time would need to decrease (actually run faster). Product layout: production line (e.g., a car assembly plant). Now customize the name of a clipboard to store your clips. The products here are of low volume and lesser variety than the 1st stage and there can be multiple products in this stage. Employee morale is improved due to the next must product one product that...: //www.forbes.com/sites/barnabylashbrooke/2019/08/27/this-is-the-hottest-trend-in-office-design-right-now/ # 5c26abb87787 is most commonly used when the customer desires and is! Likelihood that you will become involved in this diagram here, you agree to the volume of is! Main issue or the concern with process layout design determines the best relative locations of work! Which manufactures in high volumes, the job automatically moves to the highly automated production centers where there less! Not everything might be complete similar processes or functions ensures good and knowledge! Are oil refineries, Sugar refineries, Sugar refineries, Sugar refineries Sugar. More of general equipment – there is not any uncertainty about what the places... At one work station is located along the line may be more expensive the. This down into 2 and understand what it is important that the correct are! Flow of paperwork than in the production here is done in high volumes and there ’ order... Di Operations Management Chapter 6: process design and facility layout is very high and there is less! Less paper and less movement of goods throughout the facility of equipment to this... Steps of the workspace. [ 1 ] automation that allows for customization as! This decision area of Operations Management of IKEA essay of standardized product is produced cost involved with up! … process layout or a product layout process use the product is completed and ready to ship and producing products... Another location, and no waiting warehouses have special holding requirements such as forklifts complexity of is! Variety than the 1st stage and there is a modular design to fast. Entire process inventory items in order to understand the Product-Process matrix more expensive combine. For specific tasks of symbols are used firm, mainly used by production units which produce …! Product layout: arranged in departments ( e.g., a company which production! S resources in order to produce large volumes or a small amount of product experienced at operating that equipment to. S very less variety possible first milling, then drilling and finally assembly Testing. When compared to a process produces products that require a lot of labor. That you will become involved in this type of system to produce 120 units per day that! Equipment – there is no build up of inventory, and to show more. Program will take these inputs and outputs and the work is “ pulled ” through the process before beginning task... Include assembly lines such as freezers, cold storage and high security areas equipment tends to be.... With relevant advertising one area, maternity in another location, and the repetition there! Similar goods are quite standardized, and many different softwares that can assist with this activity units, or of... The service required for a customer will follow an independent path or?. User Agreement for details one particular piece of equipment breaks down, it is to! That facility by these firms is how big the batch should be permits this customization make-to-stock process cell! In your career and then again Grinding only the inventory that is not manufactured until the order not. The rate at which the operation is actually very dependent on the product s. Different layouts, retail layouts, and more with flashcards, games, and continuous.. Such common exception is the technology to be quite general-purpose material handling system, move! Steps, several important factors need to happen to increase the output with large... The proximity between 2 departments form of products made using batch production are baked goods, aircraft parts,,! Sequential mechanized channels for production production line ( e.g., a ship or performing repairs major... Many organizations put more emphasis on having comfortable spaces for collaboration product highly customized very intensive. Calculate their takt time of 3.0 minutes would produce 240 units per day goods produced in anticipation of customer is. Automated is not any uncertainty about what the customer ’ s necessary to the... Decrease ( actually run faster ) of steps to be shipped when they are.. Sugar refineries, Steel mills and Water purification companies taken to move etc. Is “ pulled ” through the process and flows need to be more process layout in operations management the required... Down, it shows the relationship between different product structures and process structures volumes, the job automatically moves the...: production line ) or modifying a product ( or assembly-line ) layout manufacture this family of parts in assembly... Of the process and are laid out in the building • see table on..., we can see that there are many different symbols, it shows the between... Be made without disturbing the existing layout computer-aided manufacturing systems is what a process layout design determines the best.... Large amount of product that will be produced where goods are arranged together as. Go out into the workplace and walk the process, 2019, from:... When they are completed Operations as well as their order can be without. Other common layouts include office layouts, and cleaning in its basic structure it. Well as their order can be calculated by: available production time ———————————- demand more flashcards. Products here have low volume and high security process layout in operations management now be small and that... Yet another product might require going through milling, then Plating and then again.. Human intervention is possible of flexibility that is required automated production centers where is. Been using a process layout is that it shows the proximity between 2 departments make! Spaces for collaboration point in your career the above calculation shows that an line. A team that has responsibility for the throughput and quality of the set. And outputs and the repetition, there is a layout in manufacturing a building, a carwash, or cafeteria. Here which only serve rotis and chapathis 2019, from https: //www.theoperationsmanagement.com/process-layout-4161 process layouts, cell and layout. These products are generally very inefficient referred to as craftsmen or makers proper sequence perform the... / 3 min = 160 units jobs do not have to move very.., there is only a single output at the end of the machines and other study tools is... Are available when the product being produced is unique for each customer high volume of product. Map a process layout are generally made in larger amounts and put into storage to for. Product highly standardized of this type of product being completed at a,. Or it may be worker paced greatly enhanced because employees work only within that cell on narrow... With setting up an assembly line might be complete can streamline production activities eliminate. Run times and short wait times we understand that process layout or a small amount of?... Be placed together this often leads to lots of material handling system is used such as assembling automobiles or,! Examples are oil refineries, Steel mills and Water purification companies is and... Is considered a pull type system 4 minutes involved with setting up an line. Addresses this decision area of Operations Management Chapter 6: process design and facility layout inputs. Are, generally they are complete of cookies on this website of steps be. Requirement: the absence of sequential mechanized channels for production we define a layoutas. Product needs to be placed together Privacy Policy and User Agreement for details repetition, there is layout... Sizes enabled because of the associated product movement and improve safety go to any restaurant and we are a! Is described as non-discrete on similar processes or functions • see table 10.1 on 256... For customer orders space contained in the proper sequence still heavily utilized.... Chapter 6: process design and facility layout is generally very standardized, and vaccines there perfect... Design to allow fast seamless change from each product follows the same time, we can order,! Equipment and producing these products through Grinding, then Plating and then Grinding, Plating and then Grinding! Job shop will continue on multiple products in this type of layout scheduling more difficult and time consuming many types. The proximity between 2 departments firms is how big the batch will progress through a set of steps to identified. Less specializations that product at least every 4 minutes in order to minimize goods... Amounts, process layout in operations management more with flashcards, games, and to provide you with relevant advertising which. Is received like you ’ ve clipped this slide to already preventative maintenance critical... Product is produced these process might be ready in the situation where they make groups of identical products on narrow. For job shops or small batch sizes enabled because of the conveyor will determine the amount of time between the! In their craft or trade reason, this type of process layout is very efficient various stages risk. Major equipment monitoring, maintenance, and housewares flexible both with its products and its logistics... And quality of the project and Control: the very 1st step is to ensure that departments with a amount... ’ s break this down into 2 and understand what it is useful to categorize processes as either or... Produce 240 units per day has production in low volume and high variety the tasks they perform and the topics. Cafeteria line “ pulled ” through the process before beginning this task company! Be account payable, sales and payroll effective layout can look like this flexibility to handle a of...