Abstract
In this study, a new integrated approach is presented to solve the facility layout problem with unequal areas in an open field. This approach includes a two-stage method and a bi-level genetic algorithm. In the first stage of the proposed method, the arrangement of departments adjacent to each other is determined by an improved zone algorithm; in the second stage, the layout obtained from the first stage is improved by using a linear programming model, and the final locations of the departments are thus determined. This two-stage method is used in a bi-level genetic algorithm to achieve an appropriate layout. The orientation and aspect ratios of the departments are determined at the first level of the algorithm, and at the second level, the sequence of the departments is determined for the layout. The proposed approach is compared with the four approaches in the literature, by using 10 datasets in order to evaluate efficiency and performance. The quality of the proposed approach is confirmed by improving the best solutions obtained from previous studies in seven datasets. Furthermore, the presented approach obtains the best solutions from previous studies in the other three datasets.
Highlights
In the first stage of the proposed method, the arrangement of departments adjacent to each other is determined by an improved zone algorithm; in the second stage, the layout obtained from the first stage is improved by using a linear programming model, and the final locations of the departments are determined
The facility layout problem is one of the most important issues in industrial environments, because a proper layout can lead to increased productivity, a good arranging of material flow, increased material flow speed, and it can ease the production process
Gai and Ji [5] proposed an integrated method to solve a healthcare FLP. Their proposed approach generated a set of layouts by using a mathematical programming model that aimed at minimising the total transportation cost among all the facilities
Summary
A new integrated approach is presented to solve the facility layout problem with unequal areas in an open field This approach includes a two-stage method and a bi-level genetic algorithm. In the first stage of the proposed method, the arrangement of departments adjacent to each other is determined by an improved zone algorithm; in the second stage, the layout obtained from the first stage is improved by using a linear programming model, and the final locations of the departments are determined. In die eerste fase van die voorgestelde metode word die rangskikking van naburige departemente bepaal deur middel vann verbeterde sone algoritme. Die voorgestelde uitleg word met vier gepubliseerde benaderings vergelyk deur middel van tien datastelle. Die voorgestelde metode behaal ook dieselfde uitleg in die oorblywende drie datastelle
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