Application of multidimensional scaling techniques to facilities layout

Guidelines in the form of scatter diagrams can be valuable and helpful in facilities layout decisions. This paper demonstrates that a direct application of non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) techniques to layout problems can conveniently provide such guidelines. Although two layout-specific algorithms develop scatter diagrams as well, our proposal is significant for two reasons. First, MDS packages for microcomputers and mainframes that generate low cost solutions are readily available. Second, because non-metric MDS programs accept various forms of input data without restrictions, allow different distance measures, and can offer solutions in three dimensions, they provide users with flexibility in the type of layout problems that can be solved.