Using genetic algorithms on service facilities layouts design

Traditionally, the objective of a service facility layout problem is to minimize the material handling cost and optimize the physical spaces that support a productive activity of the service system. Service delivering interface has direct impact to the efficiency and effectiveness of service system in light of customer’s contact. Layout problem of service facilities has received little attention in the literature. Due to complexity and combination of the facility layout problems, the genetic algorithm is put forward that codifies a chromosome and uses a direct representation to assign the departments to the different branch areas, enables good solutions to be justified in real instances of the problem in tourist service centre. The solution is shown on a decision plan representing the graphic layout of the departments within the service facility. This application is highly flexible that the decision maker can accordingly define the departments’ number to be accommodated, facility sizes, segment sizes, and algorithm parameters to be added or simplified.