the development of optimization and mathematical models for closed loop supply chain (clsc) design has attracted considerable interest over the past decades. however, the uncertainties that are inherent in the network design and the complex interactions among various uncertain parameters are challenging the capabilities of the developed tools. the aim of this paper, therefore, is to propose a n...

Real world optimization problems are typically complex and difficult to solve. In this work it is intended to address these problems through a combination of two techniques: Constraint Logic Programming (CLP) and Genetic Algorithms (GA). This approach aims to benefit, on the one hand, from the easiness and naturalness of the CLP to express problems whose formulation is based on constraints, and...

A bay configuration arranged along a central spine and served by an automated monorail material handling system are common designs for the layout and material handling system in new semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities. This paper investigates the facility design problem in semiconductor fabrication facilities and proposes a procedure to determine the optimal spine layout design given a d...

The facility layout problem is typically solved in what is referred to as a “top-down approach” of block layout design followed by detailed layout determination. However, a number of research efforts recently have challenged this approach, producing a “bottom-up approach to the facility layout problem” (Meller et al. 2004). In this paper we consider the bottom-up approach, applying a tighter fo...

Objective: In this paper, a conceptual framework for integrating production scheduling in flowshop manufacturing cells, known as group (FSGSP), and unequal-area facility layout (UAFLP) decisions is proposed. Materials Methods: First, brief literature review carried out to identify the elements, solution techniques complementary UAFLP, FSGSP layout-scheduling approaches. Results: Based on result...

In the desgin-process of a facility layout, the focus has been mainly on the placement of the machine resources. The material-ow, and therefore the desgin of the aisles has not appropriately been taken into account. We developed a hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) to generate the aisles in a facility layout at minimal xed and variable cost. The application of the GA to a practical problem leads to ...

The facility layout problem is concerned with finding the most efficient arrangement of a given number of departments with unequal area requirements within a facility. The facility layout problem is a hard problem, and therefore, exact solution methods are only feasible for small or greatly restricted problems. In this paper, we propose a spring-embedding approach that unlike previous approache...