Toward re-engineering models and algorithms of facility layout

Models and algorithms are continuously being developed for the facility layout problem in various manufacturing settings. However, there could be practices and obstacles that weaken them and adversely impact the effectiveness of the layout. Thus, they should be obliterated in order to advance the layout problem. This paper suggests a set of guidelines that are directed at the process inherent in developing layout models, algorithms, expert systems, and software applications to assist in improving them and developing better layouts. Such guidelines are lacking in the literature of facility layout. Examples on the suitability and applicability of the suggested guidelines are given.