Using genetic algorithms on facilities layout problems

Abstract

This article utilises a scheme to solve both equal and unequal area department problems in facilities layout by using genetic algorithms (GAs) for achieving the minimal total layout cost (TLC). With regards the equal area department problems, the objective function is mainly developed according to the measurement of the material flow factor cost (MFFC). However, the objective function for unequal area department problems in this study is a multiple objective function involving MFFC, shape ratio factor, and area utilisation factor to reach minimal TLC. In addition, a rule-based expert system is implemented to create space-filling curves for connecting each unequal area department to be continuously placed without discontinuity (partition). There is no gap between each unequal area department. The experimental results show that the proposed approach achieves lower TLC compared with existing algorithms. Under the practical limitations, the proposed approach in this study is much more feasible for dealing with the facilities layout problems in the real world.