An integrated methodology for automating the determination of layout and materials handling system

There is a severe scarcity of models and solution techniques for the determination of layout and the materials handling system when neither are fixed. This is a complex problem for which this paper proposes a new integrated methodology using a knowledge-based/optimisation approach to the problem. The knowledge-base consists of facts and rules to determine the feasibility of using a material handling equipment type for a given move. The optimisation part determines the layout of machines minimising the materials handling costs and the dead space in the layout using a multi-criteria optimisation model. The methodology aims to minimise materials handling costs, aisle space usage and dead-space in the resulting layout. It is particularly applicable to heavy manufacturing environments. The system outputs the optimum location, configuration and orientation of machines, and the material handling equipment types, their design capacities, utilisations and the assignment of moves to each item of materials handling equipment. The results of a successful application to an example problem are given.