Facility layout problem (FLP) is an inherently difficult combinatorial problem for which the quest for analytical, heuristic, and metaheuristic solution approaches has received significant attention. To this end, genetic algorithm (GA) has been an extensively studied metasearch approach. In this regard, we report a very effective memetic search algorithm (MA), which is a simple but novel variat...

Abstract Aiming at the problem of facility layout in intelligent workshops, a collaborative optimization method and AGV path planning based on discrete event simulation (DES) is proposed. This can increase production capacity workshop by solving open-field (OFLP). First, to simplify complex constraints OFLP, mathematical programming model established. Second, hybrid algorithm proposed solve opt...

This paper presents an Iterative Heuristic Algorithm and Branch and Bound Algorithm for optimal location of clusters on different levels. The use of cluster analysis is proposed for grouping highly related departments for both the methods. The vertical location problem is formulated for optimal location problem. Results obtained by both the algorithms are presented and compared in terms of trav...

We present a new framework for efficiently finding competitive solutions for the facility layout problem. This framework is based on the combination of two new mathematical programming models. The first model is a relaxation of the layout problem and is intended to find good starting points for the iterative algorithm used to solve the second model. The second model is an exact formulation of t...

This paper experiments application of different heuristic approaches to a real facility layout problem at a furniture manufacturing company. All the models are compared using AHP, where a number of parameters of interest are employed. The experiment shows that formal layout modelling approaches can be effectively used real problems faced in industry, leading to significant improvements.

The aim of this research is the development of an innovative approach to support company upgrades, reorganization and new facility establishment. This approach is focused on combining layout engineering with the use of simulation and optimization; this combination is very important because allows to reorganize the whole layout and production processes and flows and to measure the results in the...

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has become important to distribution and logistics operations due to current mandates by Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense. In order to meet these mandates, distribution operations have to re-layout their distribution facilities to accommodate these RFID systems. This transcript describes a layout algorithm that supports optimizing the design of RFID s...

The effect of workflow interference is a major concern in facility layout design. Yet, despite the extensive amount of research conducted on the facility layout problem, very little has been done to incorporate interference as part of an overall approach to layout design. This paper examines the impact of workflow interference considerations on facility layout analyses. Linear and nonlinear int...