THE AMCO PACT MODEL OF OFFICE LAYOUT

Effective office layout centers around the need for the effectiveness use of spa
ce. Design considerations can be described through George Terryâ s AMCO PACT model
of office layout. The manager can us AMCO_PACT to better ensure that space desig
n addresses individual worker needs and supports work procedures and work tools.
AMCO indentifies physical aspects related to ideal space utilization. PACT inde
ntifies practical limitations to the ideal. Following is a discussion of each as
pect and limitation.
A= Activity analysis
Activity analysis is the means of examining just what work is being done in the
office. What specific tasks are being done? Who works with whom? How much room i
s needed to do a specific task? What problems currently exist?
M=Machine inventory
Machine inventory is the process of determining which equipment/technologies are
used to perform office tasks, as well as those expected to be used in the futur
e.
C= Channel Analysis
Channel Analysis is the process of accounting to power, communications, and vent
ilation needs. Most new construction takes these into consideration, older build
ing, however, may present challenges.
O=Organizational Analysis
Organizational analysis is determining the size and nature of the workforce. How
manya people need to be housed in a given facility? What is their work level-ho
w manya clerical workers, managers, supervisors, and vice president are ther? In
many respects, AMCO describes the ideal space allocationg, but office layouts o
ften must be designed under less-than-idel conditions. The second half of the mo
del, PACT, outlines the restrictors, or concerns that can undermine or preclude
the best space allocation plan.
P= Personal preferences
Personal Preferences relates to the need to consider individual needs and desire
s. Who likes to work with whom? Who cannot work with whom? Who smokes? Is anyone
handicapped? What do people want or need to do their work properly?
A=Aesthetics
Aesthetics refers to the sense of beauty and harmony. With regard to space alloc
ation, what is the most pleasing way to group workers? Where can partitions be p
laces so that they are not perceived to obstacles? Can a sense of design be main
tained?
C = Cost
Cost is often referred to as the universal regulator. What will the design cost?
The ideal design is not possible if funds for its construction are not availabl
e.
T=Time
Time refers to how long the design will remain in effect. Is the building rented
on a short-term lease? Will the organization be in these headquarters indefinit
ely?