There are already a lot of layouts included in the game, but i never use those
Here are the 6 basic layouts i always use, just connect every dot (oe, setup the input resources and mft units to the right production) et voila, you have the most efficient factories one can build
I never have the mft units connected to the inventory when adding a layout. This is because in some production lines, the same resources combination can create multiple products.
I'll start with a single resource input layout used at the starting period of a new game (so when demand is not high yet):
Not much explanations needed, 1 input resource, 1 output resouce. It's expandable to a full cap (see 2nd picture below) layout, or add other output products. (for example silica - silicon and glass) Next is the full capacity layout, 1 resource input, 1 resource output, option to add a 2nd sales unit, or a 5th mft unit. Here is a 1/3 cap layout for a 2 input 1 output. option to extend with a 2nd type of product (+ inv and/or sales unit). The full cap. layout for 2 input 1 output (or 2 product output, just switch the linking from 1 sales unit from inv to a mft.) Next a half cap. layout for a 3 input 1 output. With option to extend with a 2nd sales unit. And as last a full cap layout for 3 input 1 output, with option to add a 2nd sales unit (or 2 outputs, just add a sales unit in the rightdown unit.) Thats it for factory layouts.
R&D layouts are setup as wanted and/or needed so i won't put them here
Farm units in crops are basicly setup as 6 or 7 crop units + 1 inventory and 1 or 2 sales units. (most efficient if demand is high, is 6 crop+1 inv.+2 sales)
For livestock you need to keep in mind that 1 raising unit can supply 1 processing unit (this was different in cap2).
Here is the layout i mostly use. It gives to option from 1 output product up to 3 output products.
As last a little tip for shops. If demand requires you to setup a 2nd shop selling a product i recommend to not setup a 2nd advertising unit in that 2nd shop. But rather use it to connect a 2nd sales unit to a purchasing unit. If needed you can raise the advertising investment in the 1st shop, so the 2nd sales unit in the 2nd shop will give more profits for that product.
A sample pic below Ok thats it for now, i hope this will help people getting better profits